LUCKNOW, Oct. 4 -- The MRP (maximum retail price) of 36 medicines examined at hospital pharmacies across Uttar Pradesh was found to be more than 10 times their procurement price, with the gap reaching nearly 67 times in one case. The findings of a state-wide inspection by the UP Food Safety and Drug Administration (UPFSDA) showed wide disparities in the prices of several medicines, including injectable drugs used to treat serious infections and critical medical conditions.

The inspection covered 214 pharmacies attached to medical colleges and private hospitals. Of 130 medicines analysed, the widest disparity was found in Polymyxin-B injection (GUFIPOL 500,000 Unit), which was purchased for Rs.74.09 but carried an MRP of Rs.4,980.94, near...