Government Initiates Price Cut on Life-Saving Cancer Drugs

The Indian government is urging pharmaceutical companies to lower prices on three specific anti-cancer drugs. This follows financial reforms such as customs duty exemptions and GST reductions, aimed at making these drugs more affordable. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has issued directives ensuring manufacturers comply with the price reductions.

The Indian government has urged pharmaceutical companies to reduce the prices of three vital anti-cancer drugs: Trastuzumab, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab. This directive is part of a broader strategy to pass on customs duty exemptions and GST reductions to consumers.

The initiative aligns with the government's commitment to provide affordable healthcare options. In response, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has released a memo ordering manufacturers to lower the maximum retail prices (MRP) of these drugs.

The move follows the Union Budget 2024-25 announcement and subsequent notification by the Finance Ministry's Department of Revenue, which set customs duties on these medications to nil. Manufacturers are directed to update price lists and inform dealers, state drug controllers, and the government of changes.

(With inputs from agencies.)