Revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) of 1,364 anti-cancer medicine formulations came into effect across India on November 9, with the government estimating annual savings of ₹3,540.38 crore for consumers. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, implemented the price revision following trade margin rationalisation for 137 anti-cancer drugs. According to the government, 85 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised MRPs for 1,364 formulations covering 121 drugs as of November 8, 2026. The price reductions have been significant for several brands. A total of 679 brands reported reductions exceeding 50%, while the highest reported MRP reduction stood at 96.45%. The trade margin rationalisation initiative followed recommendations submitted by an expert committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services on October 17. The measure aims to address excessive trade margins and improve affordability and access to cancer medicines, which can contribute substantially to treatment expenses. Consumers can check revised medicine prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application and the NPPA website. The government has stated that chemists and hospital pharmacies cannot charge more than the revised MRP. Patients can report overcharging or other medicine pricing-related complaints through the Pharma Jan Samadhan portal or by contacting the NPPA helpline at 1800-111-255. The revised prices are expected to provide financial relief to cancer patients and their families while strengthening efforts to make treatment more affordable across the country.

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