World · India Bureau
Cancer drugs marked up tenfold in Delhi pharmacies, investigation reveals
An investigation into Delhi's pharmaceutical market has uncovered significant price disparities between maximum retail prices and actual selling rates for life-saving cancer medications. The markup issue extends beyond oncology drugs to affect medicines across multiple categories.
LSN India ·
A field investigation conducted in Delhi's drug market has exposed substantial pricing gaps for cancer treatments and other critical medications. Drugs listed with maximum retail prices (MRP) of ₹2,700 are reportedly being sold at rates exceeding ₹27,000 in some outlets, raising concerns about accessibility for patients requiring these life-saving treatments.
According to the Delhi Drug Traders Association secretary general, the disparity between MRP and actual pharmacy retail rates (PTR) is a longstanding issue within India's pharmaceutical distribution system. The problem is not limited to oncology medications but affects a broad spectrum of drugs across the market.
The investigation highlights the complex dynamics of India's drug pricing and distribution network, where multiple intermediaries between manufacturers and retail outlets can influence final consumer prices. While the government sets maximum retail prices for regulated medications, pharmacy-level pricing practices vary significantly across outlets.
The findings underscore ongoing concerns about medicine affordability in India, particularly for expensive cancer treatments that place substantial financial burdens on patients. Industry officials acknowledge the pricing discrepancies as a systemic challenge requiring attention from regulators and stakeholders.