New Delhi: In a major relief for cancer patients, the Centre has capped trade margins on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30 per cent, paving the way for significant price reductions from November 9. The move is expected to bring down the maximum retail prices (MRPs) of some medicines by up to 70 per cent, easing the financial burden on patients undergoing costly cancer treatment.
The decision, announced by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, aims to curb excessive mark-ups across the pharmaceutical supply chain and improve access to essential cancer medicines.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Cancer Drugs Included
The price-control measure covers 137 anti-cancer medicines, including advanced therapies used to treat different types of cancer. Several prominent drugs, such as pembrolizumab, durvalumab, osimertinib and bevacizumab, feature among the medicines covered under the initiative.
These treatments are used in managing various cancers, including lung, breast, colorectal and other forms of the disease. The inclusion of advanced therapies is particularly significant because some of these medicines can cost patients several lakhs of rupees over the course of treatment.
By restricting trade margins, the government intends to prevent excessive price mark-ups by distributors and retailers and make these medicines more affordable.
➡️Trade Margin Rationalisation on 137 Anti-Cancer Drugs
➡️The revised prices will become effective from November 9, 2026.
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Manufacturers and Pharmacies Asked to Implement Revised Prices
Under the directive, pharmaceutical companies are required to submit revised prices to the NPPA and update their price lists. Hospitals, pharmacies, distributors and other stakeholders must ensure that the revised prices are implemented from November 9.
The authorities have also emphasised the need to maintain adequate supplies of the covered medicines to prevent shortages following the price revision. State drug controllers will oversee implementation and take necessary action to ensure compliance.
Patients and caregivers can check medicine prices through official NPPA resources, including the Pharma Sahi Daam app.
Builds on Earlier Cancer Drug Price Controls
The latest decision expands the government’s efforts to make cancer treatment more affordable. In 2019, the NPPA capped trade margins on 42 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30 per cent, resulting in price reductions for hundreds of medicine brands.
The expanded initiative follows an expert committee’s assessment of anti-cancer medicines and seeks to extend price rationalisation to a broader range of treatments.
Patients Expected to Receive Significant Relief
The government has projected substantial savings for consumers from the initiative. However, the actual reduction will vary depending on the medicine, its existing retail price and the revised price applicable under the order.
The 30 per cent trade-margin cap does not mean that every covered medicine will become 70 per cent cheaper. Rather, the reduction will depend on the existing mark-ups and the price adjustment required for each drug.
With cancer treatment often involving prolonged medication, hospital visits and expensive therapies, the move is expected to provide meaningful financial relief to patients and their families while improving access to advanced treatment options.
