Revised maximum retail prices of 1,364 anti-cancer drug formulations came into effect on Monday, November 9, after the government capped trade margins on 137 anti-cancer drugs. The government estimates that consumers will save about Rs 3,540.38 crore a year as a result.
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), which functions under the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, made the decision. It acted on recommendations submitted on October 17, 2026, by an Expert Committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
According to the Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers, 85 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised MRPs for 1,364 anti-cancer formulations covering 121 drugs as of November 8, 2026. Of these, 679 brands reported price reductions of more than 50 per cent. The highest reduction in MRP stood at 96.45 per cent.
The ministry said no chemist or hospital pharmacy may charge more than the revised MRP. Consumers can check the revised price printed on medicine packs. They can also verify prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application or the NPPA website, nppa.gov.in.
Consumers who face overcharging or other pricing problems can register a complaint through the Pharma Jan Samadhan portal. They can also call the NPPA helpline at 1800-111-255.
Earlier in October, the NPPA released a revised list of MRPs for more than 500 brands of anti-cancer medicines. The move was part of its trade margin rationalisation initiative, which the ministry said is aimed at making cancer treatment more affordable and accessible across the country. The NPPA had announced the rationalisation of trade margins for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines on October 17.
Of the 137 identified anti-cancer drugs, 10 to 15 are yet to be launched in India. Trade margin rationalisation will also apply to these drugs when they are launched, according to the NPPA.