Cancer drug prices may fall by 70%

Cancer treatment can place a heavy financial burden on patients and their families, as the cost of medicines form a major part of the overall expense. The issue recently came under scrutiny after the SC questioned the huge gap between the Price to Retailer (PTR) and (MRP of some cancer medicines. During the hearing, the court pointed to an example where a cancer drug bought by retailers for around Rs 2,700 carried an MRP of Rs 27,000. The Centre has now taken steps to make cancer medicines more affordable. The government has decided to cap trade margins at 30% of the MRP for all non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs. The measure covers branded and generic medicines as well as domestic and imported drugs, including patented and non-patented medicines.

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The Hans India