New Delhi: A recent report by a parliamentary panel has drawn attention to the rising cost of cancer treatment in India. The panel pointed out that although some progress has been made, many cancer drugs are still not covered under existing price control rules. As a result, a large number of patients are unable to afford life-saving medicines.
Rising Worry Over Costly Cancer Drugs
In its 163rd report, the Committee on Petitions of the Rajya Sabha, chaired by Narain Dass Gupta, said that while efforts have been taken to regulate prices, a significant part of the cancer drug market remains outside control. This situation continues to create heavy financial stress for patients and their families.
The panel observed that the notification of the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022 increased the number of anti-cancer medicines under price regulation from 40 in 2011 to 63 in 2022. Despite this improvement, a majority of expensive and advanced cancer treatments are still excluded from the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, meaning there is no legal ceiling on their prices.
Consequences of Limited Price Control
Because of this gap in regulation, several oncology medicines are being sold at very high prices. This makes treatment inaccessible for many patients, particularly those from middle- and lower-income families. The panel recommended that the government expand the scope of the DPCO to cover as many cancer drugs as possible.
It also stressed the need for regular market surveys to track both the prices and the availability of these medicines. Such assessments would ensure that companies do not exploit loopholes to charge excessively.
Strengthening Oversight and Monitoring
The committee further advised the government to establish a strong oversight mechanism to periodically check the effectiveness of current rules. This would help identify weaknesses and plug gaps in the system.
Another issue raised by the panel is the quality of generic medicines. Many doctors are reluctant to prescribe generics as they often lack WHO-GMP (World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices) certification. The panel urged that stricter monitoring be carried out to maintain the quality of generics, which are essential for making treatment affordable.
Boosting Research and Development
Alongside price regulation, the panel underlined the importance of improving India’s cancer research capacity. It suggested building stronger domestic infrastructure for research, giving preference to value-based approvals, and simplifying the regulatory approval process.
Encouraging pharmaceutical companies to invest more in advanced oncology research is also necessary. According to the committee, private sector institutions and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should work more closely together to make clinical trials faster and more effective.
Here, the role of a pharma contract manufacturing company becomes important. These companies help produce medicines at scale, ensuring availability and affordability. Supporting them will strengthen the supply of cancer drugs while also promoting innovation.
Need for Better Data and Transparency
The report also recommended that the government make better use of data collected through the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) to design state-specific healthcare policies. A central Clinical Trial Outcome Registry should also be set up to improve accountability and help decision-makers create more effective policies.
Tracking how patients respond to treatment and calculating the cost-effectiveness of different therapies were identified as essential steps for evidence-based policymaking.
The panel also called for monitoring palliative care services and suggested creating clear indicators to evaluate the impact of the National Programme for Palliative Care.
Role of Monopoly Rights in Accessibility
The panel’s findings are also relevant to those working with a monopoly medicine company in India. Monopoly rights allow distributors or franchise partners to sell medicines exclusively in a certain area, which usually helps in expanding reach and ensuring availability. However, if drug prices remain too high, the benefits of monopoly rights may not reach patients, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where affordability is a bigger concern.
Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships
The committee noted that better collaboration between government bodies and private institutions is crucial. It recommended strengthening initiatives like the India Cancer Research Consortium and making them responsible for publishing annual reports on research outcomes. This would improve transparency and show how much of the research has been successfully used in clinical practice.
By fostering public-private partnerships, India can ensure quicker development of innovative therapies and improve access to modern treatments.
Conclusion
Cancer treatment in India is becoming more advanced, but affordability remains a serious issue. While the number of cancer drugs under price control has increased over the years, many important medicines are still not regulated. The parliamentary panel has rightly called for broader price control, stricter monitoring of generics, improved research systems, and stronger partnerships between public and private players.
If these recommendations are implemented, patients will benefit from reduced costs, better quality medicines, and more effective treatments. Ultimately, expanding price controls and promoting research will help build a fairer healthcare system where no one is denied cancer care because of high prices.