Prices of cancer drugs reduced by up to 96%

Relief has arrived for cancer patients, as the central government announced on Monday that the maximum retail price (MRP) of anti-cancer drugs has been reduced by up to 96.45%. According to a report by Mint, this significant decision will provide major relief to patients.

The revised MRP of more than 1,000 anti-cancer formulations came into effect from Monday. According to the government list, this move is likely to save consumers an estimated ₹3,540.38 crore annually. The Department of Pharmaceuticals stated that the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped the trade margin on the MRP of 137 anti-cancer drugs.

Out of these 137 identified anti-cancer drugs, 10 to 15 drugs are yet to be launched in India. However, the government's statement clarified that whenever these drugs enter the market, Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) will also be applied to them.

As per data up to 7 November, 76 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised MRPs for 1,225 anti-cancer formulations, covering 121 drugs, the Department of Pharmaceuticals informed. A reduction in MRP has been noted in 1,031 formulations of anti-cancer drugs, with more than 50 per cent reduction seen in 600 brands, and the highest reduction recorded at 96.45 per cent.

In addition to the reduction in MRP, some other important changes will also be visible to consumers. The revised MRP will now be printed on the drug pack, and these prices will be applicable in every pharmacy and hospital from 9 November. Consumers will be able to check the prices of cancer drugs through the 'Pharma Sahi Daam' app. No pharmacy or chemist can charge more than the price shown in the app or the price printed on the drug pack.

If any vendor charges a higher price, the individual can lodge a complaint with the NPPA through the 'Pharma Sahi Daam' app/portal or by calling 1800-111-255. Consumers can verify the printed pack prices or find the official rates on the NPPA official website (nppa.gov.in). It is mandatory for every retailer, dealer, hospital, and institution to clearly display the list of revised MRPs of anti-cancer drugs on their website and premises.

According to a statement from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, "As per NPPA instructions, State Drug Controllers will monitor whether rules are being followed by manufacturers, dealers, hospitals, and medical institutions." The department further added, "Consumers can check the applicable prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application and the NPPA website (www.nppa.gov.in) and can report any violation or non-compliance of the revised prices to the authorities.

Complaints can be submitted through the following medium: by post to Deputy Director, Monitoring, NPPA, 3rd Floor, YMCA Cultural Centre Building, 1 Jai Singh Marg, New Delhi – 110001. According to the report, this reduction of up to 96% in cancer drug prices will bring great relief to patients.

They play a role in determining the maximum retail prices of those drugs and monitoring price compliance by pharmaceutical companies."