Quick answer: A hospital pharmacy should not charge more than the MRP (maximum retail price) printed on a packaged medicine. You also have the right to choose where you buy medicines under the Charter of Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities. If a price on your bill looks higher than the MRP, ask for the itemised pharmacy bill and request a correction.
Medicines are often one of the largest parts of a hospital bill, especially after surgery, in intensive care or during cancer treatment. Most of the time the high total comes from the number and type of medicines used, not from overcharging. But it is still worth knowing your rights and how to check.
What MRP means
MRP is the maximum retail price printed on packaged goods, including packaged medicines. It already includes taxes, and selling a packaged product above its MRP is not permitted under India’s legal metrology rules. Some essential medicines also have prices capped by the government’s drug price control system, which means the MRP on their packs cannot be set above the notified ceiling.
Must you buy medicines from the hospital pharmacy?
The Charter of Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities, approved by the National Council for Clinical Establishments, includes the right to choose the source for obtaining medicines or tests. It says hospitals should not force patients to buy medicines from the hospital pharmacy, and that buying them from outside at a lower price should be acceptable.
In practice, for admitted patients, hospitals often need to check and record medicines that come from outside, and some emergency or specialised drugs may only be practical to get from the hospital. Ask the nursing station how outside medicines are handled before you buy them.
How to check medicine charges
- Ask for an itemised pharmacy bill showing each medicine, strength, quantity and price.
- Compare prices with MRP on the pack where you can see it.
- Check quantities against the number of days and doses given.
- Look for returns. Unused, unopened medicines issued for a patient are sometimes returnable; ask the pharmacy about its policy before discharge.
- Keep all pharmacy bills for insurance claims.
If a medicine appears to be charged above MRP, raise it politely with the billing desk first. Most issues are corrected at this stage. Our guide on how to ask for an itemised hospital bill explains what a proper bill should show.
Medicines and insurance
Medicines used during a covered admission are generally payable under health insurance, while items on the insurer’s non-payable list, such as many consumables, may not be. See hospital consumables explained and how cashless treatment works.
Generic medicines
Where your doctor agrees, generic versions of a medicine can cost much less than branded ones. Government Jan Aushadhi stores also sell generic medicines at lower prices. Always check with your doctor before switching, especially for critical medicines.
Keep all pharmacy bills together with prescriptions for insurance claims.
How NEIMHAANS helps
NEIMHAANS is a non-clinical healthcare concierge that has helped families travelling for treatment since 2007. We help families ask for itemised pharmacy bills, keep medicine records in order, understand the hospital’s policy on outside medicines and returns, and organise bills for insurance claims. We never advise on which medicine to take; that is always your doctor’s decision. See our services.
Frequently asked questions
Can a hospital charge more than MRP for a medicine?
MRP is the maximum retail price printed on a packaged product, and selling a packaged product above its MRP is not allowed under India’s legal metrology rules. If a medicine on your bill is priced above the MRP printed on its pack, ask the billing desk to correct it.
Do I have to buy medicines from the hospital pharmacy?
The Charter of Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities includes the right to choose the source for obtaining medicines or tests, and says patients should not be forced to buy medicines from the hospital pharmacy. For inpatients, ask the hospital how outside medicines are handled, since they may need to verify and record them.
Why are hospital medicine charges so high?
Often it is the quantity and the type of medicine, such as injectables and antibiotics, rather than the price per unit. An itemised bill shows each medicine, quantity and price so you can check.
How do I check medicine charges on my bill?
Ask for an itemised pharmacy bill, compare each price with the MRP on the pack where you can, and check quantities against the days of treatment.
This article is part of our complete guide to hospital costs in India.
This article is general information, not medical, legal, insurance or financial advice. Rules, schemes and hospital policies change, so always confirm details with your hospital, insurer or the relevant authority.