NPPA directs states to monitor revised prices of 137 cancer medicines

The NPPA has directed state drug controllers to strictly monitor revised prices of 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs. With a 30 per cent trade margin cap in force, authorities have been warned of penal action against overcharging

New Delhi: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has directed strict monitoring of trade margin rationalisation on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, warning of penal action against overcharging.

The authority, which functions under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, has asked state drug controllers (SDCs) to submit their action taken reports by November 16, according to an official release issued on Friday.

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The revised prices of the 137 anti-cancer drugs came into effect on November 9, 2026, following a gazette order issued on October 17, 2026. The order capped the trade margin at 30 per cent on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines.

Based on submissions received from pharmaceutical companies up to November 11, the latest revised price lists have been uploaded on the NPPA website, as well as on the Pharma Sahi Daam app and portal, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said.

All manufacturers, stockists, dealers, retailers, hospitals and medical institutions have been directed to comply with the revised prices and prominently display the updated price lists at their premises and on their websites.

SDCs have been instructed to strictly monitor compliance across the supply chain and healthcare facilities to ensure that the benefits of the revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) are passed on to patients.

Any violation of the directive may attract overcharging proceedings under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, the release noted.

Complaints regarding overcharging, shortages or non-availability of medicines can be reported through the Pharma Sahi Daam app or portal, the NPPA helpline (1800-111-255), or via email at monitoring-nppa@gov.in, it added.