New Delhi: Cancer patients may see changes in the prices of several cancer-related medicines from November 9, 2026, following the release of a revised maximum retail price (MRP) list covering 543 brands by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). However, the revision does not mean that every medicine on the list will become cheaper.
The move follows the government’s decision to cap trade margins on 137 selected anti-cancer medicines at 30% of the MRP, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST). The measure is aimed at preventing excessive mark-ups as medicines move from manufacturers through distributors and retailers to patients and hospitals.
According to government estimates cited in reports, prices of some medicines could fall by as much as 70%, depending on the drug. The potential reduction should not be interpreted as a uniform price cut across all cancer medicines.
Supreme Court questions steep mark-ups
The revision comes amid growing scrutiny of the wide gap between the prices at which medicines are procured and the amounts charged to patients by private hospitals.
During a hearing on October 27, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the pricing of essential medicines and medical devices, questioning why significant differences existed between procurement costs and patient bills. The court cited an example in which a chemotherapy injection costing around ₹11,000 was reportedly billed by some private hospitals at up to ₹1.3 lakh.
The bench also raised questions about the delay in taking measures to regulate medicine prices. After hearing petitions concerning drug pricing, generic medicines and medical devices, the court reserved its verdict.
Will all cancer drugs become cheaper?
No. According to the reports cited, prices of 146 medicines among the 543 listed brands remain unchanged. Price revisions vary across products, and the actual savings will depend on the specific medicine prescribed.
Patients can check the revised MRP list on the NPPA’s official website or use its Pharma Sahi Daam platform to look up medicine prices. The revised rates are scheduled to take effect on November 9.
The measure is expected to improve price transparency and help eligible patients, but the extent of savings will depend on the revised price of each individual drug.
