Centre caps trade margins at 30% on 137 anti-cancer drugs, patients to save Rs 3,541 crore
·35 mins ago·2 min read
Key Points
The Centre has tightened monitoring of reduced prices of 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines under the Trade Margin Rationalisation mechanism. The 30% trade margin cap, effective November 9, is expected to generate savings of Rs 3,541 crore for patients. NPPA has directed manufacturers, retailers and hospitals to comply with revised prices or face action for overcharging.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: The Centre has intensified monitoring of revised prices of 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines following the implementation of the Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) mechanism, which is expected to provide significant financial relief to cancer patients.
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, has directed strict monitoring of the revised prices, which came into effect on November 9, 2026.
According to an official statement issued on Friday, all pharmaceutical manufacturers, retailers, dealers, stockists, hospitals and medical institutions have been instructed to comply with the revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) and prominently display updated price lists at their premises and websites.
State Drug Controllers (SDCs) have also been directed to monitor compliance and ensure that the benefits of reduced medicine prices reach patients. Violations may invite overcharging proceedings under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, has directed strict monitoring of the revised prices, which came into effect on November 9, 2026.
According to an official statement issued on Friday, all pharmaceutical manufacturers, retailers, dealers, stockists, hospitals and medical institutions have been instructed to comply with the revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) and prominently display updated price lists at their premises and websites.
State Drug Controllers (SDCs) have also been directed to monitor compliance and ensure that the benefits of reduced medicine prices reach patients. Violations may invite overcharging proceedings under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
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The latest revised price lists, based on submissions received from pharmaceutical companies up to November 11, are available on the NPPA website and the Pharma Sahi Daam app and portal.
The government introduced a 30% cap on trade margins for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines through an NPPA order issued on October 17.
By November 9, as many as 85 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised MRPs for 121 medicines, covering 1,366 stock-keeping units. The highest reported price reduction stood at 96.45%, while more than 650 formulations recorded price cuts exceeding 50%.
According to the government, the initiative is expected to generate savings of approximately Rs 3,541 crore for patients.
Meanwhile, consumers can report overcharging, medicine shortages or non-availability through the Pharma Sahi Daam app or portal, NPPA helpline or email. State Drug Controllers have been asked to submit their action-taken reports to the NPPA by November 16, 2026.
The 30% trade margin cap applies across retail and hospital pharmacies and covers the specified medicines in different dosages and formulations, including tablets and injections, whether sold individually or in combinations.
The government introduced a 30% cap on trade margins for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines through an NPPA order issued on October 17.
By November 9, as many as 85 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised MRPs for 121 medicines, covering 1,366 stock-keeping units. The highest reported price reduction stood at 96.45%, while more than 650 formulations recorded price cuts exceeding 50%.
According to the government, the initiative is expected to generate savings of approximately Rs 3,541 crore for patients.
Meanwhile, consumers can report overcharging, medicine shortages or non-availability through the Pharma Sahi Daam app or portal, NPPA helpline or email. State Drug Controllers have been asked to submit their action-taken reports to the NPPA by November 16, 2026.
The 30% trade margin cap applies across retail and hospital pharmacies and covers the specified medicines in different dosages and formulations, including tablets and injections, whether sold individually or in combinations.
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