Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Cancer patients across India are set to receive significant financial relief as the prices of hundreds of cancer medicines have been reduced following a decision by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). Out of 543 cancer drug brands and packs whose prices have been revised, 397, accounting for around 73%, have become cheaper.
Among the biggest reductions is the price of Samtepa injection, which has been slashed from ₹80,071 to ₹7,150. Similarly, the price of a 21-capsule pack of Palbopro has dropped from ₹40,421 to ₹2,720, bringing substantial relief to patients requiring these medicines.
According to the revised rates, 217 drug brands have witnessed price cuts of more than 50%. The prices of 97 brands have been reduced by over 70%, while 50 have become cheaper by more than 80%. Five drug brands have seen price reductions exceeding 90%.
The new prices will come into effect from November 9. However, the prices of 146 brand-pack combinations have remained unchanged.
The price revisions come after the Supreme Court questioned the NPPA on Tuesday over why medicine prices were not being effectively controlled. Following the development, pharmaceutical companies issued revised prices for several cancer medicines.
The government has also capped the trade margins on 137 anti-cancer drugs at 30% of their maximum retail price (MRP), with the objective of making cancer treatment more affordable for patients.
Despite the significant price reductions, several costly cancer medicines continue to be sold at their existing rates.
Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug used to treat more than 21 types of cancer, continues to cost ₹2,16,500. Similarly, Ribociclib, a medicine used in breast cancer treatment, remains priced at ₹24,435.
The prices of other expensive cancer medicines, including Tagrisso, Tecentriq, Darzalex and Imfinzi, have also remained unchanged.
While the latest price cuts are expected to provide relief to patients and their families struggling with the high cost of cancer treatment, the unchanged prices of several expensive medicines continue to pose a financial challenge for those requiring prolonged treatment.
