NationalSaturday, 17 October 2026·The Hindu - National
Centre caps trade margins on non-scheduled cancer drugs at 30% of MRP
The Union government decided on 8 October 2026 to cap trade margins at 30% of MRP for all non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs to reduce out-of-pocket spending.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 8 October 2026, the Union government announced a 30% of MRP cap on trade margins for all non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs in New Delhi to reduce cancer-treatment costs and out-of-pocket expenditure.
Key specifics
- The cap applies to branded and generic drugs, domestically manufactured and imported medicines, and patented and non-patented products.
- NPPA found average trade mark-ups of around 170% on non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines, with some reaching 700%.
- The anti-cancer medicines market has around 225 drugs and 500 formulations, with annual turnover of about ₹12,500 crore.
- A similar 2019 NPPA intervention on 42 selected non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs reportedly saved ₹984 crore across 526 brands.
- The latest measure is expected to generate annual savings of around ₹2,500 crore and price reductions of up to 70% of MRP.
Exam lens
Question type: Health policy and drug pricing. TNPSC may ask about NPPA, Paragraph 19 of DPCO 2013, 30% MRP cap, 2019 intervention on 42 drugs, and ₹2,500 crore estimated savings.