Nppa orders strict monitoring of trade margin rationalisation on 137 anti-cancer drugs

According to reports from PIB Delhi and Sandesh (Desh), the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has issued directives for strict monitoring of the implementation of trade margin rationalisation (TMR) on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs.

These 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs were notified via a gazette order on 17 October 2026. These revised prices for anti-cancer drugs have come into effect from 9 November 2026. The list of recently revised prices, prepared on the basis of submissions received up to 11 November 2026, is available on the NPPA website and the Pharma Sahi Daam app or portal.

All manufacturers, retailers, dealers, stockists, hospitals, and medical institutions have been directed to comply with the revised prices and to prominently display the updated price list on their premises and websites. State drug controllers have been instructed to closely monitor compliance by manufacturers, dealers, hospitals, and medical institutions so that the benefit of the revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) reaches patients.

Action for overcharging under the provisions of the DPCO, 2013 can be taken against violators. Complaints regarding overcharging, shortage, or unavailability of medicines can be registered through the Pharma Sahi Daam app or portal, the NPPA helpline (1800-111-255), or email (monitoring-nppa[at]gov[dot]in). State drug controllers have been asked to submit their action taken reports to the NPPA by 16 November 2026.

This decision was taken based on the recommendation of an expert committee constituted on 17 October 2026 under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The trade margin on 137 non-scheduled cancer drugs has been capped at 30% by the NPPA. 85 pharmaceutical companies have announced revised maximum retail prices for 1,364 formulations. According to government estimates, this decision could save consumers ₹3,540.38 crore annually. A reduction of up to 96.45% has been observed in the prices of certain drugs.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is a regulatory body functioning under the Department of Pharmaceuticals.