Reduction in prices of cancer medicines
New Delhi – There has been a significant reduction in the prices of hundreds of medicines used for cancer treatment in the country. As per the decision of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), prices of 397 out of 543 cancer drug brands and packs have been reduced. Of these, the prices of 217 medicines have reduced by more than half, while the prices of five medicines have decreased by more than 90 percent. This is expected to provide relief to patients and their families who have to bear the cost of expensive cancer treatment.
Shocking reduction in prices of cancer medicines
The figures of reduction in drug prices are quite shocking. The prices of 97 brands of medicines have been reduced by more than 70 percent and the prices of 50 brands of medicines have been reduced by more than 80 percent. The biggest reduction has been in the price of Samtepa injection, which has come down from Rs 80,071 to Rs 7,150.
Similarly, the price of a pack of 21 capsules of Palbopro medicine has come down from Rs 40,421 to Rs 2,720. These changes can provide great relief to those patients who have to buy cancer medicines for a long time.
Change in prices after Supreme Court's comments
Regarding the rising prices of cancer medicines, the Supreme Court had questioned NPPA as to why effective control on the prices of medicines is not being done. After this the pharmaceutical companies have released revised prices. The new prices will be applicable from November 9.
However, the prices of all medicines have not been reduced. There is no change in the prices of a total of 146 brands and packs. The government has limited the trade margin of 137 anti-cancer drugs to 30 percent of the maximum retail price (MRP).
Prices of expensive medicines remain the same
Despite major price cuts, some expensive cancer drugs are still out of reach of patients. These include immunotherapy drug Keytruda, whose price remains at Rs 2,16,500.
Additionally, the price of ribociclib, used in the treatment of breast cancer, is Rs 24,435. There has also been no change in the prices of medicines like Tagrisso, Tecentriq, Darzalex and Imfinzi.
Challenge to reduce prices of patented medicines
According to experts, it is not easy to reduce the prices of cancer medicines that come under patent. The development of these drugs is based on new technology and expensive research, and their patent rights also affect the prices. Due to price cutting policies, some companies may also decide to reduce or stop the supply of these medicines in India.
At present, patients are expected to get relief due to reduction in the prices of hundreds of cancer medicines, but the prices of many expensive medicines still remain a big challenge.