Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has ordered price cuts of up to 70 percent on 137 non-scheduled drugs used in cancer treatment, with the new rates taking effect from November 9, a move that will also benefit patients in Jharkhand.
Order Issued Saturday, Aims to Curb High Trade Margins
According to the order issued on Saturday, drug companies, hospitals and retailers will all have to follow the revised rates. The main objective is to rein in high trade margins on cancer drugs. Under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, trade margins on the maximum retail price are capped at 30 percent. The reduction is expected to ease the financial burden on patients and their families during treatment.
Compliance Rules for Manufacturers and Sellers
Drug manufacturers must submit details of the new prices to the NPPA within seven days of the order, publish the revised price list on their websites, and inform drug sellers and hospitals. In Jharkhand, drug inspectors will check sales to ensure patients are not charged more than the fixed price.
Decision Based on Expert Panel’s Recommendation
An expert committee under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), comprising oncologists, medical experts, hospital representatives and government officials, had recommended cutting the prices of the 137 drugs. It also suggested regular reviews of drug prices as needed.
Earlier Step and Enforcement Challenge
In 2019, the NPPA capped trade margins on 42 cancer drugs at 30 percent, but some companies were reported to have changed brand names to charge higher prices. Enforcing the new rates on the ground and monitoring them regularly will therefore be crucial. Patients will get relief only if drugs are available at the revised prices and overcharging is effectively stopped.
