Price cap decision
The Union government has decided to fix a price ceiling for cancer medicines, following observations by the Supreme Court that selling such drugs at very high prices is akin to “massacre” and that steps were needed to control prices.
What the cap covers
Under the decision, all non-scheduled cancer drugs will have their maximum retail selling price capped at 30% of the printed MRP.
Expected impact on prices
The move is expected to bring down prices of branded medicines as well as domestic and imported products, including both patented and non-patented drugs. This could translate into a reduction of up to 70% from the MRP.
Aim of the measure
Officials say the step is intended to curb excessive trade margins for pharmaceutical companies and improve access to life-saving medicines at more affordable rates.
