Residents in Guwahati may see a slight increase in the cost of essential medicines from April 1, following a price revision approved by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).
The hike, estimated at around 0.65%, will apply to nearly 900 medicines listed under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), including commonly used drugs such as painkillers, antibiotics, and treatments for chronic conditions.
Prices of essential medicines in Guwahati will increase by about 0.65% from April 1, as approved by the NPPA. The revision applies to drugs under the National List of Essential Medicines and is based on annual changes in the wholesale price index.
What the Price Revision Means
The revision allows pharmaceutical companies to:
- Increase the Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of essential medicines
- Adjust prices without prior approval
- Align pricing with inflation indicators
The change is linked to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), which recorded a 0.64956% increase in 2025.
Medicines Affected
The price adjustment will impact a wide range of commonly used medicines in Guwahati, including:
- Pain relief medications
- Antibiotics for infections
- Drugs for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
Since these medicines are widely used, the revision is expected to affect a large number of households.
Why Prices Are Increasing
The NPPA has stated that:
- Price revisions are part of a regular annual process
- Adjustments are based on inflation and input costs
- Global supply disruptions have increased manufacturing costs
Despite this, the current hike remains relatively low compared to previous years.
Impact on Guwahati Residents
For consumers in Guwahati:
- The increase is marginal and unlikely to cause immediate financial strain
- However, cumulative healthcare costs may still rise slightly
- Pharmacies across the city are expected to reflect updated prices from April
A Smaller Hike Compared to Previous Years
The current increase is among the lowest in recent times:
- 2022 saw a hike of over 10%
- 2026 increase is limited to around 0.65%
This indicates a relatively controlled pricing environment this year.
What Happens Next
Pharmaceutical companies will begin implementing the revised prices from April 1. Consumers in Guwahati are advised to check updated MRPs while purchasing medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much will medicine prices increase?
Around 0.65% from April 1, 2026.
Q2. Which medicines are affected?
Drugs listed under the National List of Essential Medicines include painkillers and antibiotics.
Q3. Will this significantly affect costs in Guwahati?
The increase is small, but it may slightly raise overall healthcare expenses.