Supreme Court questions why drug price controls limited to cancer medicines

A bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday pressed the government on why price ceiling regulations cannot be broadened beyond cancer medicines, highlighting concerns over exorbitant markups across the pharmaceutical and medical devices sector.

During hearings, the bench questioned the rationale for restricting price controls to a limited category of drugs while consumers face significant cost burdens on other essential medications and devices. The court expressed concern that certain segments of the market continue to see steep price escalations without regulatory oversight.

Representatives from the Centre countered that any expansion of price regulation requires careful calibration. They argued that while affordability for patients remains a priority, price controls must simultaneously ensure adequate availability of medicines and encourage manufacturers to maintain supply chains and invest in research and development.

The government contended that blanket price caps risk discouraging production of certain medications and could create artificial shortages. Officials stressed that the current regulatory framework attempts to balance consumer access with market sustainability, though the bench's questions suggest potential openness to reviewing the scope of existing price controls.

The matter remains under consideration, with the court expected to issue directions on the government's approach to pharmaceutical pricing across broader categories of essential medicines.