Government new scheme: Govt lowers prices for key breast, lung cancer drugs

In the wake of Diwali, much relief has been offered by the Indian government to cancer patients in the form of the announcement of cuts in prices on three essential drugs used in breast and lung cancer. The NPPA has issued a directive to cut in the Maximum Retail Price of Trastuzumab, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab, all of which are essentials in the treatment of cancer. This step is in tandem with the commitment of the government towards making the essential medicines affordable.

Govt Reduces Prices and Taxes on Essential Cancer Drugs

The government has recently brought down the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on these drugs from 12% to 5%. According to the Union Budget 2024-25, custom duty on these drugs also is to be scrapped. On July 23, the Ministry of Finance put out a notification stating customs duty nil on these cancer drugs.

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MRPs of these medicines were enhanced effective from 10th October, 2024. As per the new rates, the makers will have to increase their selling price and make dealers and state drug controllers and also the government aware of them. This is part of NPPA's campaign on controlling the soaring heads of healthcare cost especially for the cancer. It is enhancing every year by passing it. Lancet reports that over 14 million cancer cases across India have been accounted for. The growth is consistent and steady with that number being increased from the prior year of 2020 that counted 13.9 million to 2022 of 14.6 million.