NPPA directs states to enforce cancer drug price cap

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has directed state drug controllers to strictly monitor compliance with the 30 per cent trade margin cap on 137 non-scheduled cancer drugs, which took effect on 9 November. The directive, issued on Friday, 13 November, aims to ensure that revised maximum retail prices are passed on to patients and to prevent profiteering.

Manufacturers, retailers, hospitals and distributors have been told to display revised price lists, violations may invite overcharging proceedings under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. State drug controllers must submit action-taken reports by 16 November. The NPPA estimates annual patient savings of over Rs 3,540 crore, with price reductions exceeding 50 per cent on more than 650 brands and a maximum reduction of 96.45 per cent. Drugs supplied under patient access programmes remain exempt, and prices of some patented brands like Keytruda and Tagrisso have not changed.

Update, 13 November 2026: Yespunjab.com reports that 85 companies have submitted revised MRPs for 121 of the 137 drugs, covering 1,366 stock-keeping units, and that the highest price reduction was 96.45 per cent. Tripura Times and Business Standard add that the price list is available on the NPPA website and Pharma Sahi Daam app, and that complaints can be reported through those channels.