Medicine Price Rise in India: Will paracetamol become more expensive amid the Iran war? This could have a significant impact on patients.:The ongoing war between Israel and the United States and Iran is affecting the entire world. Let us explain how this will affect medicines and why their prices will rise.

News Topical, Digital Desk : The escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States are now affecting India's healthcare sector. Pharmaceutical companies are expressing concern about supply chain disruptions, rising raw material prices, and sudden surges in production costs. If this situation continues, the impact could reach patients directly in the form of drug shortages, delays, and costly treatments. Let us tell you which medicines will be affected.

Which medicines will be affected?

The greatest concern is regarding essential medicines used in everyday life. Medicines used to treat fever, infections, diabetes, and heart disease could be affected by this crisis. Industry insiders believe that if costs continue to rise, it could become difficult for companies to continue production. For example, a common medicine like paracetamol, used in every household, could become more expensive or unavailable. The same situation could arise with antibiotics, diabetes, and heart medications. Patients may have to change their medication, miss doses, or incur additional expenses.

Why will prices increase?

At the root of this crisis is a sharp increase in raw material prices. According to the pharmaceutical industry, the prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients, solvents, and other essential substances have risen by 200 to 300 percent in just 15 days. The cost of manufacturing paracetamol has also nearly doubled, from around ₹250 per kg to ₹450.

Another problem is that many essential medicines, including paracetamol, are under government price control. Their prices are pre-determined, so companies cannot increase prices despite rising costs, making it difficult to maintain production. Not only raw materials, but packaging costs are also rising rapidly. Aluminum foil, plastic, and glass containers used in packaging medicines have become expensive. These materials are essential for the safety and storage of medicines, so they cannot be ignored.

How is it affecting?

Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have disrupted shipping routes, making transportation more expensive and slowing supplies. Companies typically maintain a three- to six-month inventory, but the current situation is increasing uncertainty. Small and medium-sized pharmaceutical manufacturers are being particularly affected. These companies operate on low margins and account for a significant portion of the supply of affordable medicines. Rising costs have led many companies to consider reducing production or discontinuing certain drugs.