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Cancer Drug Prices Slashed Up to 96% in India
13 Nov
Summary
- Anti-cancer drug trade margins capped at 30% by NPPA.
- Over 1,300 cancer drug products now have reduced MRPs.
- Annual savings for patients estimated at ₹3,500 crore.
The Union government, through the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), has implemented a significant rationalisation of trade margins for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs. Capping these margins at 30% of the maximum retail price (MRP), the revised prices became effective on November 9, 2026. This initiative has already resulted in over 80 pharmaceutical companies notifying revised MRPs for 1,366 products, with prices dropping for more than 80% of them.
Nearly half of these products now cost over 50% less, with some experiencing a 96% reduction. This translates to substantial annual savings of approximately ₹3,500 crore for patients and their families, alleviating financial distress during treatment. Building on a 2019 pilot that reduced prices for 42 drugs, the current measure broadens the scope to enhance affordability and equitable healthcare access.
