The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers announced plans to reduce the prices of 137 cancer drugs by 70%, expanding existing price controls to improve affordability for cancer patients. The new regulations, set to take effect on November 9, will cap trade margins on these medications at 30% of the maximum retail price.

The medicines affected include immunotherapy treatments that address more than 20 types of cancer, including breast, prostate, colon, ovarian, and cervical cancers. This initiative follows a previous effort implemented in 2019, when price controls were introduced on 42 cancer drugs, resulting in price reductions of up to 90%.

By broadening the scope of price regulation, the ministry aims to reduce financial barriers to life-saving cancer therapies and support greater access across the country. The government’s ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to making essential medicines more affordable for patients undergoing cancer treatment.