Thrissur: The penal action against pharmaceutical companies for overpricing of the drugs is moving at a snail’s pace. 

As per statistics, the companies are to pay Rs 5,445.8 crore to the government as penalties for overpricing drugs. Out of this, Rs 4,081.93 crore will go to court procedures.

After the implementation of Drug Prices Control Order (DPCO), Rs 6,423 crore has been levied for overpricing till date.

Medications including lifesaving drugs come under DPCO. The chemical components which are to be limited in use and its prices are published. The companies which overprice the drug should pay the excessive price levied along with the penalty. After the implementation of DPCO, 2009 complaints of overpricing have been registered in the state.

During the 2016-17 period, Rs 302 crore was collected as penalty. The move for attaching the assets of the companies which do not pay the penalty is in progress. Currently, the responsibility of penalty recovery lies with the district Collector.