On Friday, the union government launched the diabetes drug Sitagliptin and its combinations at rates as low as Rs 60 per pack of ten. The drug and its combinations will be sold at generic pharmacy stores, Janaushadhi Kendras. In an earlier statement given by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, it was mentioned that the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) has included new variants of Sitagliptin and its combination in the list of the stockpile of essential medicines sold on their Jan Aushdhi Kendras.

According to the pricing rates, the maximum retail price for a pack of ten Sitagliptin phosphate tablets 50 mg is Rs 60, while the same for Sitagliptin phosphate tablets 100 mg is Rs 100. On the other hand, the combination of Sitagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride tablets of 50mg/500mg is priced at Rs 65 for a pack of ten, and Sitagliptin and Metformin hydrochloride tablets of 50mg/1000mg strength come at Rs 70 for the same quantity.

The Chief Executive Officer of PMBI, Dr. Ravi Dadhich, launched Sitagliptin, which is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. He added that all the variants are now available at 60% to 70% less than the branded variants. Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, these kendras sell quality generic medicines, surgical equipment, nutraceuticals, and other products. Currently, over 1,600 medicines and 250 surgical devices are available in these kendras, which also sell Suvidha Sanitary Pads priced at Rs. 1 per pad. 

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/govt-launches-diabetes-drug-sitagliptin-its-combinations-at-rs-60-pack-of-10-432377 )