Patients to Save 3540 Crore Annually as Cancer Drug Prices Fall

A massive price‑adjustment for anti‑cancer medicines took effect on Monday, 9 November 2026, after the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) finalized new maximum retail prices for 1,364 formulations. The revision follows a decision taken on 17 October 2026, guided by recommendations from a joint committee of the Directorate General of Health Services and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

By 8 November 2026, 85 drug manufacturers had submitted updated price data for 121 medicines that together constitute the full list of 1,364 formulations. The data reveal that 679 brands have slashed their prices by more than half, and the steepest cut recorded is 96.45 percent. In effect, many cancer drugs will now be sold at a fraction of their previous cost, dramatically easing the financial burden on patients.

The estimated total savings for Indian consumers is about ₹3,540.38 crore per year, according to government calculations.

The NPPA urges patients to carefully examine the revised MRP on every drug packet. The official price can also be confirmed through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application or the NPPA’s website. No pharmacist or hospital pharmacy is allowed to charge above the revised MRP; breaches will be penalized.

Any instances of overpricing or related grievances can be reported through the Consumer Pharma Jan Samadhan portal, or by calling the NPPA helpline at 1800‑111‑255.