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The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, has capped trade margins on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of 137 anti-cancer drugs, based on the recommendations of an Expert Committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, on October 17, 2026.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the revised MRPs of these medicines come into effect from today. As on 8th of November, 2026, 85 Pharmaceutical Companies have reported revised MRPs for 1,364 anti-cancer formulations, covering 121 drugs. With 679 brands reporting price reductions of more than 50 per cent, the release noted. The highest reported reduction in MRP is 96.45 per cent. As a result of the price reductions, the estimated annual savings to consumers is expected to be Rs 3,540.38 crore. As per the release, consumers can check the revised MRP printed on the medicine pack and verify medicine prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile app or NPPA website (nppa.gov.in). No chemist or hospital pharmacy can charge more than the revised MRP. In case of overcharging or any other pricing-related complaint, consumers can register their grievance through the Pharma Jan Samadhan portal or contact the NPPA helpline at 1800-111-255. Earlier, the Ministry described the policy intervention as a core component of healthcare access strategies. "TMR of non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines is an important step taken by the Government in its continued efforts to improve affordability and accessibility of essential anti-cancer medicines for cancer care," the Ministry noted. Meanwhile, the regulatory provisions, enacted through notification SO 5690 (E) dated October 17, 2026, remain effective until further orders. Under these norms, drug manufacturers retain the option to claim annual price adjustments under Paragraph 20(1) of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, provided the products strictly observe the 30 per cent trade margin threshold. Compliance measures mandate every retailer, pharmacy dealer, hospital, and medical institution to prominently display the revised price lists on their institutional websites and physical facilities. (ANI)
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