Parliamentary Panel Urges Expanded Price Controls as Dozens of Cancer Drugs Remain Unregulated

A recent report from India’s Parliamentary Committee on Petitions warns that a large proportion of cancer medicines are still not subject to official price ceilings, leaving many treatments unaffordable for patients. The panel recommends broadening the Drugs Prices Control Order to include a wider range of oncology drugs and calls for regular, comprehensive reviews of drug prices and availability.

Although the number of anti-cancer drugs under price control rose from 40 in 2011 to 63 in 2022, many key therapies remain unregulated—resulting in excessive pricing and limited access. The panel stressed the need for a robust oversight mechanism to monitor and evaluate the regulatory system’s effectiveness.

Recommendations include improving domestic research, streamlining regulatory approvals, and encouraging private sector investment in cancer innovation. The committee also highlighted the importance of maintaining high-quality generics and integrating new technologies and data-driven strategies into cancer care.

The report advocates for more regional prevention programs, expanded palliative care, and better tracking of patient outcomes to ensure equitable, effective cancer treatment for all. Ongoing collaboration between government, industry, and communities is seen as essential for progress.