Revised prices of anti-cancer drugs effective tomorrow

Hyderabad: Aheadof Deepavali, the Centre came up with good news for patients undergoing cancer treatment: reduced prices for 38 anti-cancer medicines that will take effect from Tuesday. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) said that, with the revised prices coming into force on Monday, every retailer, dealer, hospital and medical institutions must prominently display the revised MRP list of anti-cancer medicines on their websites and premises. Also, under the NPPA notification, State Drug Controllers will have to monitor compliance by manufacturers, dealers, hospitals, and medical institutions.

The NPPA, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals of the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, said it has capped trade margins on the MRP of 137 anti-cancer drugs. The decision follows recommendations from an Expert Committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on October 17.

Against this backdrop, the “revised prices of these drugs will come into effect from November 9,” it said. The NPPA said, “As on date, 76 pharmaceutical companies have reported revised MRP for 1,225 anti-cancer formulations, covering 121 drugs. Reductions in MRP have been reported in 1,031 anti-cancer formulations, with 600 brands reporting above a 50 per cent reduction and the highest reduction at 96.45 per cent.” Further, of the 137 identified anti-cancer drugs, 10-15 are yet to be launched in India.

However, Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) will also apply to these drugs as and when they are launched. As a result of the price reductions to be effected from Tuesday, “the estimated annual savings to consumers would be Rs 3,502.31 crore,” it said. The TMR of non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines is an important step by the government in its continued efforts to improve affordability and access to essential anti-cancer medicines for cancer care. The NPPA also clarified that “ the notification SO 5690 (E) issued on October 17, 2026 will remain in force until further orders. However, manufacturers can avail annual price increase in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 20(1) of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, subject to continued compliance with the maximum permissible trade margin of 30 per cent.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India