The decision covers medicines used in the treatment of more than 20 types of cancer, including immunotherapy drugs and treatments for breast, prostate, colon, ovarian and cervical cancer. The revised prices will take effect on November 9, as the government extends its efforts to control the cost of essential cancer medicines.
The ministry also said trade margins on the drugs will be restricted to 30 per cent of the maximum retail price (MRP). The measure is aimed at limiting the margins charged across the supply chain and reducing the prices patients pay for these medicines.
The latest move builds on the price controls introduced in 2019, when the government brought 42 anti-cancer drugs under regulation. Those measures reduced prices by as much as 90 per cent.
With 137 cancer drugs now set to face the expanded price controls, the latest decision marks a further step in the government's efforts to improve the affordability of cancer treatment.
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