New Delhi/Alive News: Cancer patients in India may get relief as prices of 137 non-scheduled cancer medicines are set to fall by up to 70% from November 9, 2026. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) announced the price reduction after intervention by the Supreme Court over the large gap between medicine costs and their maximum retail prices (MRP).
However, some major patented cancer treatments, including Keytruda, Opdyta, Tagrisso and Imjudo, will not be covered by the price cuts, according to a report by The Economic Times.
How to Check Revised Medicine Prices
Consumers can check the updated prices through the government’s Pharma Sahi Daam app or the NPPA website, the Department of Pharmaceuticals said.
The NPPA has capped trade margins at 30% for the 137 medicines covered by the order. The move aims to make cancer treatment more affordable for patients.
Drug Companies and Hospitals Must Follow New Prices
Pharmaceutical companies will have to publish revised price lists on their official websites and share them with retailers and hospitals.
From November 9, pharmacies and hospitals must charge the revised prices and display updated rates at their outlets. Hospitals will also be required to publish the new prices on their websites.
Supreme Court Raised Concerns Over High Prices
The Supreme Court questioned the government over the significant difference between the prices at which retailers purchase medicines and their printed MRPs.
The court raised concerns about medicines costing around ₹10–₹20 to produce but being sold to retailers for approximately ₹30, while carrying MRPs of ₹150–₹200.
The intervention prompted action on trade margins for the 137 medicines. The move is expected to provide financial relief to cancer patients, although the actual savings will vary depending on the medicine and its revised price.
