NPPA Orders Strict Monitoring of 30% Trade Margin Cap on 137 Cancer Drugs, Warns of Penal Action

The authority, which functions under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, has asked state drug controllers (SDCs) to submit their action taken reports by November 16, according to an official release on Friday.

The revised prices for the 137 anti-cancer drugs came into effect on November 9, 2026, following a gazette order issued on October 17, 2026. The order capped the trade margin at 30 per cent on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines.

Based on submissions received from pharmaceutical companies up to November 11, the latest revised price lists have been uploaded on the NPPA website as well as the Pharma Sahi Daam app and portal, the Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry said.

All manufacturers, stockists, dealers, retailers, hospitals, and medical institutions have been directed to comply with the revised prices and prominently display the updated price lists at their premises and on their websites.

SDCs have been instructed to strictly monitor compliance across the supply chain and healthcare facilities to ensure that the benefits of the revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) are passed on to patients.

Any violation of the directive may attract overcharging proceedings under the provisions of the DPCO, 2013, the release noted.

Complaints regarding overcharging, shortage, or non-availability of medicines can be reported through the Pharma Sahi Daam app or portal, the NPPA helpline (1800-111-255), or via email at monitoring-nppa@gov.in.