Cancer medicines in India could become up to 70 per cent cheaper. The government has approved a wider trade margin cap for non-scheduled cancer drugs. Here is what it means.

A trade margin cap limits the profit in the supply chain. The price is set from the manufacturer’s cost plus a fixed margin. This cuts the final price for patients.

The move covers non-scheduled cancer medicines. These are drugs not under direct price control.

But patients must wait. The final list of drugs is not out yet. The national drug pricing authority must issue a notification first.

Experts said the step will help lakhs of families. Cancer treatment costs push many into debt.

Patients should check with their doctor and pharmacist before expecting lower prices.

Patient groups have long demanded lower drug prices. High costs push many families into debt during treatment. The government said the move will improve access. Implementation will be watched closely in the coming months.