Cancer drugs up to 96% cheaper: Shwait Malik hails PM Modi

Chandigarh. Cancer patients will now pay far less for many of their medicines after the Centre cut the prices of 1,364 anti-cancer formulations. Former Punjab BJP president Shwait Malik on Tuesday called it a “pro-people decision” of the Narendra Modi government.

The new prices came into force on Monday. The government estimates the cut will save patients about ₹3,540.38 crore every year.

Malik, a former Rajya Sabha MP, said the move would bring “massive economic relief” to cancer patients and their families.

How much cheaper are cancer medicines now?

Prices of 679 brands have fallen by more than half, Malik said. The biggest cut is 96.45%.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), the country’s drug price regulator, lowered the prices by capping trade margins at 30% of the MRP. The cap was announced on October 17 and covers 137 cancer drugs whose prices were not controlled before.

By November 8, 85 drug companies had reported lower prices for 1,364 formulations of 121 of these drugs.

What did Shwait Malik say about the Modi government?

Malik said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Centre had taken “another historic step” to make healthcare affordable for common people.

He said treating a life-threatening disease like cancer puts a huge cost on families and often pushes them into severe financial distress. He added that cheaper medicines would help patients stay on long-term treatment without breaks.

Calling the decision a “humanitarian measure”, Malik said it showed that people’s health, ease of living and financial well-being remain the Modi government’s top priority.

How can patients check the new prices?

The NPPA has asked buyers to check the revised MRP printed on the medicine pack. Prices can also be checked on its Pharma Sahi Daam mobile app.

Patients who are overcharged can complain on the Pharma Jan Samadhan portal or call the NPPA helpline at 1800-111-255.