Government Sets Trade‑Margin Caps on 137 Cancer Drugs, Boosting Affordability
New Delhi – In a major regulatory step, the central government has imposed a ceiling on the trade margin for 137 anti‑cancer medicines, aligning with revised maximum retail prices for 1,364 formulations. The decision, rooted in recommendations from a specialist committee of the Directorate General of Health Services dated 17 October 2026, aims to curb profiteering and make life‑saving treatments more accessible.
Data released by the Department of Pharmaceuticals shows that by 8 November, 85 pharmaceutical manufacturers had reported revised MRPs for 121 drugs, encompassing the full 1,364 formulations. Out of these, 679 brands have lowered their prices by more than 50 per cent, with the highest reduction recorded at 96.45 per cent.
The Ministry estimates that patients will collectively save approximately ₹3,540.38 crore annually. Effective from 9 November, the new MRPs are displayed on drug packages, and verification can be done through the “Pharma Sahi Daam” mobile application or the NPPA website. The rule explicitly bars chemists and hospital pharmacies from charging beyond the revised MRP.