New Delhi, Nov 7: Patients undergoing cancer treatment across the country are set to receive significant financial relief as revised prices of several anti-cancer medicines come into effect from November 9. The move is expected to generate annual savings of approximately Rs 3,502 crore for patients and their families.

The price reductions follow the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority's (NPPA) decision to rationalise trade margins on 137 anti-cancer drugs. The NPPA operates under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

The decision was taken based on recommendations from an Expert Committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

According to the Ministry, 76 pharmaceutical companies have so far submitted revised price details covering 1,225 formulations across 121 anti-cancer drugs. Of these, prices have been reduced for 1,031 formulations, while 600 brands have witnessed cuts exceeding 50 per cent. The steepest reduction recorded stands at 96.45 per cent. The government estimates that the revised prices will translate into annual savings of Rs 3,502.31 crore for consumers.

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The initiative, introduced under the Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) framework, aims to make essential cancer medicines more affordable and improve access to treatment.

The government has also clarified that the price-control mechanism will cover 10 to 15 identified medicines that are yet to be launched in the Indian market. The revised trade margin norms will become applicable to these drugs as soon as they are commercially introduced in the country.

The regulatory framework was notified through an order dated October 17, 2026, and will remain in force until further directions. Pharmaceutical manufacturers will, however, be allowed annual price revisions under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, subject to compliance with the prescribed 30 per cent trade margin ceiling.

To ensure compliance, pharmacies, retailers, hospitals and other medical institutions have been directed to prominently display the updated medicine prices on their premises and websites.

State Drug Controllers will monitor compliance by manufacturers, retailers and hospitals. Consumers can also check the revised prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application and the NPPA's official website. The platforms also provide an avenue for reporting instances of non-compliance.

The government said the intervention is aimed at reducing the financial burden of cancer treatment and improving the affordability and accessibility of essential oncology medicines.(with ANI inputs)