Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Cancer Patients To Face Higher Costs As India Raises Chemotherapy Drug Prices Amid Nationwide Shortage

Cancer patients in India, already affected by shortages of critical chemotherapy drugs, are now set to face higher costs after the government approved a price hike.

Facing significant shortages are <span>Cisplatin</span> and Carboplatin — the two platinum-based drugs that form the backbone of treatment for common cancers such as oral cancer, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/ozempic-like-weight-loss-drugs-may-cut-breast-cancer-risk-by-a-third-finds-research-article-154454016" data-type="tilCustomLink">breast cancer</a>, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ovarian-cancer-uk-nhs-rolls-out-first-major-drug-in-over-20-years-article-154466711" data-type="tilCustomLink">ovarian cancer</a>, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer, and testicular cancer.

<h2>Shortages Disrupt Cancer Treatment</h2>

The shortage of these essential chemotherapy medicines is disrupting care across hospitals and cancer centers, with several doctors pointing out that a substantial proportion of chemotherapy protocols for solid tumors rely on one of these platinum-based agents.

The drugs have been facing shortages as companies find it difficult to sustain production amid rising manufacturing costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The two drugs, often prescribed in combination and with no alternatives, are derived from platinum, a precious metal whose cost has surged due to the Middle East conflict and the closure of the <span>Strait of Hormuz</span>.

<h2>Rising Production Costs Hit Manufacturers</h2>

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/india-revises-folic-acid-measurement-unit-to-prevent-dosage-errors-article-154551110" data-type="tilCustomLink">India Revises Folic Acid Measurement Unit to Prevent Dosage Errors</a>

"The production cost has increased because the API, or active pharmaceutical ingredient, which is imported from abroad, has become more expensive. As a result, manufacturing costs have gone up, but the MRP has not increased," Dr Shyam Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology at Sir <span>Ganga Ram Hospital</span>, told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

As companies have struggled to sustain production amid rising manufacturing costs, they approached the government seeking a revision of the price cap.

<span>Drugmakers</span> reportedly sought price revisions for 82 medicines, citing substantial increases in production costs due to the US-Iran conflict linked to the <span>Hormuz</span> crisis and other factors.

<h2>Government Approves Higher Prices</h2>

In response, the <span>National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority</span> (NPPA), following permission from the Union government's Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), has increased maximum retail prices for four drugs, including the life-saving cancer medicines Cisplatin and Carboplatin, and two anti-tetanus injections.

While the move is aimed at restoring supplies, it has also raised concerns about affordability for patients already battling a costly disease.

The NPPA is the country's drug price regulator and functions under the DoP, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

<h2>NPPA Asked to Review Cost Increases</h2>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/indias-maternal-mortality-ratio-drops-from-130-to-87-in-last-10-years-govt-article-154533615" data-type="tilCustomLink">India's Maternal Mortality Ratio Drops From 130 To 87 In Last 10 Years: Govt</a> 

The ministry directed the pricing authority to determine how much prices could be increased.

The formula suggested: "The Standing Committee recommended a 10 per cent increase per year from the last fixation with a ceiling of 50 per cent, which could also be a guide, but the primary principle should be cost increase," News18 reported.

The DoP has further advised the NPPA to examine increases in raw material costs for these drugs while determining any price revisions. It has also asked the regulator to assess similar requests from the pharmaceutical industry, where price hikes have been sought due to higher raw material costs.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cancer-patients-to-face-higher-costs-as-india-raises-chemotherapy-drug-prices-amid-nationwide-shortage

Chemotherapy Drug

Hike in Cancer drugs

cancer treatment price

hormuz

ganga ram hospital

drugmakers

cisplatin

national pharmaceutical pricing authority

strait of hormuz

does-niacinamide-cause-purging-dermatologist-insights

Does Niacinamide Cause Purging? Dermatologist Insights

pet-ownership

Dog Owners Likely To Be Happier Than Cat Lovers: Survey

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Cancer patients in India, already affected by shortages of critical chemotherapy drugs, are now set to face higher costs after the government approved a price hike.Facing significant shortages are Cisplatin and Carboplatin — the two platinum-based drugs that form the backbone of treatment for common cancers such as oral cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer, and testicular cancer.Shortages Disrupt Cancer TreatmentThe shortage of these essential chemotherapy medicines is disrupting care across hospitals and cancer centers, with several doctors pointing out that a substantial proportion of chemotherapy protocols for solid tumors rely on one of these platinum-based agents.The drugs have been facing shortages as companies find it difficult to sustain production amid rising manufacturing costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.The two drugs, often prescribed in combination and with no alternatives, are derived from platinum, a precious metal whose cost has surged due to the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Rising Production Costs Hit ManufacturersAlso read: India Revises Folic Acid Measurement Unit to Prevent Dosage Errors"The production cost has increased because the API, or active pharmaceutical ingredient, which is imported from abroad, has become more expensive. As a result, manufacturing costs have gone up, but the MRP has not increased," Dr Shyam Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told HealthandMe.As companies have struggled to sustain production amid rising manufacturing costs, they approached the government seeking a revision of the price cap.Drugmakers reportedly sought price revisions for 82 medicines, citing substantial increases in production costs due to the US-Iran conflict linked to the Hormuz crisis and other factors.Government Approves Higher PricesIn response, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), following permission from the Union government's Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), has increased maximum retail prices for four drugs, including the life-saving cancer medicines Cisplatin and Carboplatin, and two anti-tetanus injections.While the move is aimed at restoring supplies, it has also raised concerns about affordability for patients already battling a costly disease. The NPPA is the country's drug price regulator and functions under the DoP, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.NPPA Asked to Review Cost IncreasesRead More: India's Maternal Mortality Ratio Drops From 130 To 87 In Last 10 Years: Govt The ministry directed the pricing authority to determine how much prices could be increased. The formula suggested: "The Standing Committee recommended a 10 per cent increase per year from the last fixation with a ceiling of 50 per cent, which could also be a guide, but the primary principle should be cost increase," News18 reported.The DoP has further advised the NPPA to examine increases in raw material costs for these drugs while determining any price revisions. It has also asked the regulator to assess similar requests from the pharmaceutical industry, where price hikes have been sought due to higher raw material costs.

cancer patients to face higher costs as india raises chemotherapy drug prices amid nationwide shortage

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Cancer Patients To Face Higher Costs As India Raises Chemotherapy Drug Prices Amid Nationwide Shortage

Dog Owners Likely To Be Happier Than Cat Lovers: Survey

India Revises Folic Acid Measurement Unit to Prevent Dosage Errors

Watching FIFA World Cup With Friends May Improve Your Health: Study

Health Conditions A-Z

Does Niacinamide Cause Purging? Dermatologist Insights

Cancer Patients To Face Higher Costs As India Raises Chemotherapy Drug Prices Amid Nationwide Shortage

Dog Owners Likely To Be Happier Than Cat Lovers: Survey