The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed ceiling prices for 131 scheduled anti-cancer formulations under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) to make cancer drugs more affordable and accessible to patients across India. This move, under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013), is expected to result in substantial cost savings for cancer patients.

Key Highlights:
Ceiling Prices Fixed for Anti-Cancer Drugs:

• 131 scheduled anti-cancer formulations now have fixed ceiling prices under NLEM 2022.

• Prices of 111 formulations previously listed under NLEM 2015 have been revised, leading to an average 21% price reduction and annual savings of ₹294.34 crore for patients.

Retail Prices Fixed for New Drugs:
NPPA has also fixed the retail prices of 28 new anti-cancer formulations submitted by manufacturers and marketing companies under DPCO 2013.

Trade Margin Cap on Non-Scheduled Drugs:
A 30% trade margin cap has been imposed on 42 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines, resulting in a 50% reduction in the MRP of 526 brands and annual savings of ₹984 crore for patients.

Tax Reductions for Anti-Cancer Drugs:

• The government reduced customs duty to nil and GST rates from 12% to 5% on three anti-cancer drugs in FY 2024-25.

• Companies have been directed by NPPA to reduce MRP to reflect these tax benefits.

Domestic Manufacturing Boost Under PLI Scheme:

• Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals, 54 anti-cancer drugs are being manufactured domestically.

• The scheme has a financial outlay of ₹15,000 crore and will continue until FY 2027-28.

Statements from NPPA and Government Officials:
“These measures aim to make life-saving cancer treatments more affordable and accessible to the masses. The price reductions, coupled with the promotion of domestic manufacturing, will ensure better healthcare outcomes for patients.”

Other Government Initiatives to Improve Cancer Care:

• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):

Provides health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospitalization, covering drugs and diagnostic services.

• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana:

Offers quality medicines at 50-80% lower prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

• Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Initiative:

Provides discounted medicines for cancer and other diseases at up to 50% lower than market rates through AMRIT Pharmacy stores.

Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients:
Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) and the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG) provide financial assistance up to ₹15 lakh for cancer treatment.The NPPA’s recent price controls on anti-cancer drugs are part of a broader effort to reduce healthcare costs and improve access to essential medicines in India. These steps, along with tax benefits, domestic production incentives, and government healthcare schemes, are expected to enhance cancer care affordability and ease the financial burden on patients and their families.