Cancer medicines included in the scheduled category are already covered by government prescribed price limits. The latest decision extends pricing protection to non scheduled cancer drugs by restricting the margins charged throughout the supply chain. An expert committee under the Directorate General of Health Services will first identify the medicines covered by the measure, after which the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority will issue an official notification.

Cancer continues to place a significant financial burden on patients and their families in India, with many households paying substantial treatment costs from their own savings. The government expects the new restrictions to prevent excessive profits, tackle unfair pricing practices and improve access to reasonably priced medicines.

A similar step was taken in February 2019, when the pricing authority restricted trade margins on 42 selected non scheduled anti cancer medicines following government directions. The measure led to reductions of up to 91% in their maximum retail prices. To maintain the availability of these essential medicines, manufacturers will also be required to continue producing non scheduled anti cancer drugs at their existing levels.