Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Jharkhand health department has stepped up efforts to give cancer patients financial relief, with Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari saying the price cuts on 137 cancer drugs will be implemented effectively in the state and that CT scan and PET-scan machines will be provided at Sadar hospitals in all districts.
Minister: Treatment Should Not Stop for Lack of Money
Ansari said cancer treatment should not be halted by lack of funds, noting that many poor and middle-class families in Jharkhand find it hard to spend lakhs on treatment, and relatives sometimes sell savings, land and property. As a doctor, he said, he understands patients’ difficulties and wants financial condition not to block treatment.
30 Percent Trade Margin Cap on 137 Drugs
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) decided on October 17, 2026 to cap the trade margin on 137 non-scheduled cancer drugs at 30 percent, effective November 9, 2026. This lowers the maximum retail price (MRP) of the drugs, with cuts of 50 to 75 percent possible depending on the drug. The minister welcomed the decision and said an SOP will be prepared, with necessary instructions to officials, hospitals, drug companies and sellers, to ensure patients get the new prices and are not charged above MRP.
Two Drugs With Steep Reductions
According to information shared by the minister, PALBACE PRO (Palbociclib), used for a specific type of breast cancer, fell from Rs 41,000 to Rs 2,700, and ABIROW (Abiraterone), used for prostate cancer, from Rs 45,000 to Rs 4,000. Actual prices may vary by strength, pack and revised MRP.
Issue Raised With the Centre
Ansari said he had earlier raised the issue of costly cancer drugs with the Centre during a video conference with the Union Health Minister, explaining Jharkhand’s economic situation and poor patients’ difficulties.
CT and PET-Scan Plans, Screening Push
The minister said the department will work to provide CT scan and PET-scan machines at Sadar hospitals in all districts and strengthen district-level cancer screening, so poor patients do not have to travel to Ranchi or other big cities. The department is also pushing screening for breast and cervical cancer in women and early detection of other cancers, aiming to identify suspected patients, link them to specialist hospitals and start treatment quickly. He said the government’s aim is to take schemes to the ground and not merely make announcements.
