Govt Caps Prices of 185 Anti-Cancer Drugs to Improve Affordability

The Government has brought all oncology medicines under a comprehensive price regulation framework, ensuring affordability and protection for cancer patients across the country. Prices of anti-cancer drugs are regulated under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013), the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

The information was shared by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel, in a written reply, outlining the extensive safeguards in place to prevent excessive pricing of life-saving cancer medicines.

Anti-Cancer Drugs Listed as Essential Medicines

The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), notified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, forms the basis of statutory price control. This list is incorporated as Schedule-I of DPCO, 2013 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

Anti-cancer formulations are categorised under Section-7 of Schedule-I, titled "Anti-cancer agents including Immunosuppressives and Medicines used in Palliative Care", reflecting their critical role in public health.

Ceiling Prices Fixed for 131 Scheduled Oncology Formulations

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed ceiling prices for 131 scheduled anti-cancer formulations included in Schedule-I of DPCO, 2013.

Under the law, all manufacturers—whether producing branded or generic medicines—are mandatorily required to sell these drugs at or below the ceiling price, plus applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST). This ensures uniform pricing and prevents overcharging of patients.

Retail Prices Fixed for New Anti-Cancer Drugs

In addition to scheduled medicines, NPPA also regulates the prices of "new drugs" as defined under Paragraph 2(1)(u) of DPCO, 2013.

As of 27 January 2026, the NPPA has fixed retail prices for 54 anti-cancer drugs under this category, further expanding the scope of direct price control in oncology treatment.

Price Monitoring of Non-Scheduled Cancer Medicines

For non-scheduled oncology formulations, the government has put in place a strict monitoring mechanism. Manufacturers are not permitted to increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) by more than 10% in any 12-month period, in line with Paragraph 20 of DPCO, 2013.

This provision ensures that even drugs not under direct price fixation remain protected from unreasonable price escalation.

100% Oncology Coverage Under Price Regulation

With these measures, the government has ensured that all cancer medicines—scheduled, new, or non-scheduled—are regulated under DPCO, 2013, either through:

• fixation of ceiling prices,

• fixation of retail prices, or

• control over annual price increases.

The move is aimed at reducing the financial burden on cancer patients and strengthening equitable access to essential oncology treatments.