Cancer Treatment Costs to Drop: Major Government Announcement

New Delhi:Following exemptions on customs duties and reductions in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, the maximum retail price (MRP) of three cancer-fighting drugs (Trastuzumab, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab) will be determined. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has instructed drug manufacturers to reduce the MRP of these three cancer medications.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers mentioned that after the customs duty exemptions and GST rate reductions, the NPPA has directed manufacturers to lower the MRP of the three cancer drugs. According to the ministry, the NPPA issued an office memorandum on October 28, directing the relevant manufacturers to reduce the MRP of the three cancer drugs. This aligns with the announcement made in the central budget for 2024-25, which granted customs duty exemptions for these three cancer-fighting medications.

The ministry stated that this decision is in line with the government's commitment to ensuring the availability of medicines at affordable prices. The memorandum instructs manufacturers to issue a price list or supplementary price list to dealers, state drug controllers, and the government, indicating the changes, and to submit information regarding price changes to the NPPA through Form-II or Form-V.

The central government had announced in the central budget for 2024-25 that customs duty exemptions would be provided on three cancer drugs to reduce the financial burden on individuals suffering from cancer. The government has also reduced the GST rate on these three cancer drugs from 12% to 5%.

It is noteworthy that Trastuzumab Deruxtecan is used for breast cancer, Osimertinib is used for lung cancer, and Durvalumab is used for both lung cancer and bile duct cancer.