India's NPPA approves 20% hike for Serum Institute vaccines
India's drug pricing authority (NPPA) just approved a 20% price increase for Serum Institute of India's BCG, measles, and measles-rubella vaccines.
SII pushed for the hike, saying its costs have gone up and there aren't many alternatives.
In Dec 2024, NPPA had actually capped these prices to keep things affordable.
Measles, measles-rubella and BCG prices rise
The original caps were set because SII dominates the market, but after feedback from the government and concerns about supply, those limits got relaxed.
Now, a dose of BCG costs ₹9.9 (up from ₹8.2); measles-rubella is ₹87.93 (was ₹72.9); and measles is now ₹62 (from ₹51.4).
Officials say these vaccines are crucial for public health: they want to keep them affordable but also make sure there's enough supply for everyone who needs them.