Revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) of several anti-cancer medicines came into effect across the country on Sunday, following the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority’s (NPPA) decision to cap trade margins at 30 per cent on 137 identified non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals said the measure, implemented under the Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) framework, is aimed at reducing excessive margins across the distribution and retail chain and improving affordability for cancer patients.
As of November 8, 85 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised prices for 1,364 formulations covering 121 of the identified drugs. Of these, 679 brands reported price reductions of more than 50 per cent, while the highest reported reduction was 96.45 per cent.
The government estimates that the measure could generate annual savings of ₹3,540.38 crore for patients and consumers.
The list of 137 medicines includes immunotherapy drugs used in the treatment of more than 20 types of cancer, along with Denosumab, used by some breast and prostate cancer patients; Pegfilgrastim, prescribed to prevent neutropenia; and Bevacizumab, used in the treatment of certain colon, ovarian and cervical cancers. Widely prescribed medicines such as Pembrolizumab, Durvalumab and Osimertinib are also included.
The list was recommended by an expert committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services and may be revised periodically.
The latest intervention builds on the NPPA’s 2019 pilot exercise, under which trade margins on 42 anti-cancer drugs were capped at 30 per cent. According to the Department, that exercise resulted in MRP reductions of up to 90 per cent across 526 brands.
Pharmacies, hospitals directed to comply
Under the revised pricing framework, retailers and hospital pharmacies must charge no more than the applicable revised MRP and prominently display updated price lists. Manufacturers are required to publish revised prices on their websites and share the information with retailers and hospitals.
State Drug Controllers will monitor compliance by manufacturers, distributors, retailers, hospitals and medical institutions. Pharmaceutical companies have also been directed to maintain existing production and supply levels to prevent shortages.
Patients advised to verify prices
Patients and caregivers can check the applicable prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application and the NPPA website. The Department said no chemist or hospital pharmacy could charge more than the revised MRP printed on the medicine pack.
Complaints relating to overcharging or pricing violations can be submitted through the Pharma Jan Samadhan portal or by calling the NPPA helpline at 1800-111-255.
The revised prices took effect on November 9 under a Gazette notification dated October 17, 2026 (S.O. 5690(E)). The NPPA is continuing to update the price lists as manufacturers submit revised information.
