Cancer patients in India will soon pay less for medicines. The drug price regulator NPPA has capped the trade margin on non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30 percent.

The move will cut maximum retail prices by 20 to 70 percent. The government says patients will save around 2,500 crore rupees every year.

The cap applies to brands that were charging high margins. Hospitals and chemists can no longer mark up these drugs beyond the limit.

Cancer treatment is among the most expensive in India. Many families sell assets to pay for chemotherapy drugs.

The order covers drugs not already under price control. The regulator used its powers after finding excessive trade margins.

Pharma companies must revise their price lists. The new prices will apply to fresh stock entering the market.

Patient groups have welcomed the decision. They have long demanded action on cancer drug pricing.

The order takes effect for new stock. Old stock at chemists will sell at printed prices until replaced.