Relieving news for cancer patients.
Starting from November 9, the period following Diwali, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) will reduce the prices of 137 anti-cancer drugs by up to 96%. This decision has been taken based on the recommendations of an expert committee constituted on October 17 by the Directorate General of Health Services, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The revised prices for these medicines will come into effect from November 9. The Central Government has stated that it is mandatory for all retail pharmacists, dealers, hospitals, and institutions to clearly display the revised Maximum Retail Price (MRP) list of anti-cancer drugs on their websites and within their premises. According to a notification from the NPPA (National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority), State Drug Controllers will monitor whether pharmaceutical manufacturers, dealers, hospitals, and medical institutions are complying with these regulations.
How much will the prices of these medicines decrease?
The price of ‘Palbociclib’ (Palbor) capsules, used in the treatment of breast cancer, could drop from ₹40,000 to ₹2,700. The price of ‘Abiron’—a drug manufactured by Arvincare Pharma and used in the treatment of prostate cancer—could drop from ₹41,000 to ₹3,000.
Similarly, the price of ‘Denosteorel’ from Reliance Life Sciences could decrease from ₹24,000 to ₹6,000. Furthermore, the price of a drug from Zydus Life Sciences, used in the treatment of lung and cervical cancer, could also be reduced by up to 96 percent.
What is a ‘trade margin’?
A ‘trade margin’ refers to the difference between the price at which a distributor purchases a medicine from the manufacturer and the medicine’s Maximum Retail Price (MRP). When this margin is larger, traders earn higher profits and gain the opportunity to sell medicines at arbitrary prices. Consequently, patients face a greater financial burden.
