New Delhi: In a significant step toward making cancer treatment more affordable, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has directed manufacturers to lower the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of three key anti-cancer drugs: Trastuzumab, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab. This directive, issued through an official memorandum (O.M.) dated October 28, 2024, is aligned with the government’s commitment to provide affordable healthcare options by reducing the cost of life-saving medications.
This move follows an exemption from customs duty on the three drugs, announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, and later formalized by the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance with Notification 30/2024 on July 23, 2024. Additionally, GST rates on these drugs were slashed from 12% to 5% effective October 10, 2024, as per Notification 05/2024 issued on October 8, 2024.
The NPPA’s directive requires drug manufacturers to issue updated price lists or supplementary price lists reflecting the revised MRPs and communicate these changes to dealers, State Drugs Controllers, and relevant government agencies. The manufacturers must also submit details of the new pricing structure to NPPA via Form-II or Form-V to ensure compliance.
This initiative mandates that manufacturers pass on the financial benefits of reduced customs duty and GST directly to consumers, effectively lowering the cost burden on cancer patients who rely on these essential medications.
