New Delhi : HL November 13, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared an article by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda highlighting the Centre’s efforts to make cancer treatment more affordable and accessible to patients across the country. The article, titled “When Cancer Hits, the Cost of Treatment Shouldn’t Bite”, explains how the government’s decision to rationalise trade margins on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines is expected to provide significant financial relief to cancer patients and their families.
The initiative, implemented through the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), aims to address excessive margins in the pharmaceutical distribution chain and reduce the financial burden associated with cancer treatment. The revised medicine prices came into effect on November 9, 2026.
In his article, Nadda emphasised that a cancer diagnosis should not push families into financial distress. He highlighted the government’s approach of combining affordable medicines, stronger healthcare infrastructure, early screening and wider access to specialised cancer treatment.
Trade margin capped at 30%; some cancer medicines become up to 96% cheaper
Under the Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) initiative, the NPPA has capped trade margins at 30% of the maximum retail price (MRP) for 137 identified non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs.
The impact of the decision is already visible in the market. According to the figures highlighted by the Health Minister, more than 80 pharmaceutical companies have notified revised MRPs for 1,366 products covering 121 of the identified drugs.
Prices have declined for more than 80% of these products, while nearly half have recorded reductions exceeding 50%. Some formulations have witnessed price reductions of up to 96%.
Based on previous consumption patterns, the initiative is expected to generate annual savings of approximately ₹3,500 crore for consumers. This is particularly significant for patients who require repeated chemotherapy sessions, targeted therapies and other long-term cancer treatments.
The government had earlier introduced a similar initiative in 2019, covering 42 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines. The expanded exercise now brings 137 drugs under the margin-rationalisation mechanism.
Patients can check revised prices and report overcharging
The government has also stressed the importance of effective implementation to ensure that the benefits reach patients.
Manufacturers, retailers, distributors and hospitals are required to follow the revised pricing provisions and display updated medicine prices transparently.
Patients and caregivers can verify the revised MRPs through the NPPA website and the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application. They can also report instances of overcharging and violations to the concerned authorities.
Government expands cancer care infrastructure across India
Highlighting the broader healthcare reforms, Nadda said the government is working to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment facilities alongside medicine affordability.
Key initiatives include:
500+ day-care cancer centres: Established under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases to facilitate chemotherapy and other oncology services closer to patients.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Providing screening facilities for common cancers, including oral, breast and cervical cancer, to support early detection.
22 new AIIMS: Cancer diagnosis, medical treatment and surgical facilities have been extended across all 22 new AIIMS institutions.
Tata Memorial Centre: Six hospitals have been established at Varanasi, Visakhapatnam, New Chandigarh, Guwahati, Sangrur and Muzaffarpur to strengthen specialised cancer care.
Multiple initiatives to reduce the cost of medicines
The Health Minister also highlighted other government measures aimed at improving access to affordable medicines.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, quality generic medicines are made available at affordable prices. AMRIT pharmacies provide essential and lifesaving medicines at substantial discounts.
Additionally, 36 medicines used for cancer, rare diseases and chronic conditions have been fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty, helping reduce treatment-related expenses.
The government is also strengthening financial protection through Ayushman Bharat, particularly for economically vulnerable families.
Affordable healthcare remains a priority
Concluding his article, Nadda stressed that healthcare progress should not be measured only by technological advancements or the expansion of hospitals. It should also be judged by whether ordinary citizens can access quality treatment when they need it.
The 30% trade margin cap represents an important intervention in the cancer medicine market, seeking to balance patient affordability with the sustainability of the pharmaceutical industry.
The broader objective, he emphasised, is to ensure that no family faces avoidable financial hardship while fighting a life-threatening disease.
