Cancer Drug Prices Slashed By Up To 91%: What The New Rates Mean For Patients From November 9

In a major relief for cancer patients, the government has reduced prices of 543 anti-cancer drug brands, with revised rates coming into effect from November 9. Some medicines have become significantly cheaper, with prices falling by as much as 91% in certain cases. Thiotepa prices have dropped by 91%, while Pertuzumab has seen a 68% reduction. However, the relief comes with limitations: several expensive, patented cancer drugs, including Keytruda, remain unaffected. With cancer treatment often costing lakhs of rupees and out-of-pocket expenses pushing families into financial distress, the key question is whether the price cuts will translate into meaningful relief for patients. NDTV Health Editor Sneha Mordani reports.