Revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) of 1,364 anti-cancer medicine formulations came into effect across India on November 9, 2026, following a decision by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to cap trade margins on selected cancer medicines. The price reductions are expected to generate annual savings of approximately ₹3,540.38 crore for consumers.
According to the Department of Pharmaceuticals, 85 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised prices for 1,364 formulations covering 121 drugs as of November 8, 2026. Among the reported brands, 679 recorded price reductions exceeding 50%, with the highest reported reduction reaching 96.45%.
NPPA Caps Trade Margins on 137 Anti-Cancer Drugs
The NPPA, operating under the Department of Pharmaceuticals within the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, introduced the revised pricing framework based on recommendations from an Expert Committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The committee was established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on October 17, 2026, to examine pricing measures for anti-cancer medicines.
Under the revised framework, trade margins on the MRP of 137 anti-cancer drugs have been capped. The changes took effect on November 9, 2026, resulting in lower reported prices across a range of cancer medicine formulations.
The price revisions cover 1,364 formulations across 121 drugs reported by 85 pharmaceutical companies.
The revised prices are expected to reduce the financial burden of cancer treatment for patients and their families. With 679 brands reporting price cuts of more than 50%, the estimated annual savings for consumers stand at ₹3,540.38 crore.
The highest reported reduction in MRP is 96.45%, reflecting the extent of price changes across the affected medicine brands.
Consumers can check the revised MRP printed on medicine packaging and verify individual medicine prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application or the official NPPA website at nppa.gov.in.
How to Report Overcharging at Pharmacies
Under the revised pricing provisions, chemists and hospital pharmacies cannot charge consumers more than the applicable revised MRP.
Patients who encounter overcharging or other medicine pricing-related issues can register complaints through the Pharma Jan Samadhan portal or contact the NPPA helpline.
NPPA consumer helpline: 1800-111-255
The revised pricing measures aim to improve the affordability of essential cancer medicines and provide consumers with greater transparency in pharmaceutical pricing.
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