Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Drug price regulation in India is handled by a dedicated statutory authority, separate from the bodies that regulate medical education, pharmacy practice, or public health programs.
Step 2: Key Fact:
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority was set up under the Drug Price Control Order to fix and revise the ceiling prices of scheduled formulations named in the National List of Essential Medicines, keeping essential drugs affordable.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Director General Health Services runs public health programs, not price control.
Pharmacy Council of India regulates pharmacy education and pharmacist registration.
National Medical Commission regulates medical education and licensing of doctors.
None of these three bodies has authority over drug pricing.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The power to fix the ceiling price of scheduled formulations rests with the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority.