New Delhi, Nov 7: Prices of 1,031 formulations of anti-cancer medicines have been reduced following the government’s decision to cap trade margins on 137 drugs, with consumers expected to save an estimated Rs 3,502.31 crore annually.
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, has capped trade margins on these medicines following recommendations of an expert committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services.
According to the government, 76 pharmaceutical companies have so far reported revised maximum retail prices for 1,225 formulations covering 121 drugs.
Of these, 600 brands have reported price reductions of more than 50%, with the highest reduction being 96.45%. The trade margin rationalization measure will also apply to the remaining drugs among the 137 identified medicines that have not yet been launched in India, once they enter the market.
Among the major reductions, the price of Zydus Lifesciences’ Bevacizumab injection (Bryxta), used for lung, colon, ovarian and cervical cancers, has been reduced from Rs 25,995 to Rs 3,318.
The price of Abiraterone acetate tablets, used for prostate cancer, under the brand Abirone has come down from Rs 41,250 to Rs 3,218.23. The price of Palbopro, used for breast cancer, has been reduced from Rs 40,421.33 to Rs 2,720.
The NPPA said the measure was aimed at improving the affordability and accessibility of essential anti-cancer medicines.
Retailers, dealers, hospitals and medical institutions have been directed to prominently display revised price lists on their premises and websites.
State Drug Controllers will monitor compliance by manufacturers and sellers. Consumers can check revised prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application and the NPPA website.
Complaints regarding overcharging or non-compliance can be lodged through the NPPA helpline at 1800-11-1255 or by email at monitoring-nppa@gov.in.
|