📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Health
Assam Orders Pharmacies and Hospitals to Offer 137 Anti‑Cancer Drugs at Lower Prices from Nov 9
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 01:39 PM
👁 2
The Assam health department has instructed all pharmacies and hospitals to sell 137 anti‑cancer medicines at reduced rates starting November 9, aiming to ease treatment costs for patients.
Assam's health ministry issued an order mandating that every pharmacy and hospital in the state sell a list of 137 anti‑cancer drugs at reduced prices, effective from November 9. The directive is part of the state government's effort to make cancer care more affordable for its residents.
The order applies uniformly across both private and public medical establishments, requiring them to adjust their pricing structures in line with the new guidelines. Officials said the move will help lower the financial burden on patients undergoing chemotherapy and related treatments.
The health department will monitor compliance and has asked retailers to display the revised price lists prominently. The initiative reflects Assam's broader health‑care strategy to improve access to essential medicines.
Stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups, have welcomed the step, noting that high drug costs have been a major barrier to timely cancer treatment in the region.
The state government plans to review the impact of the price reduction after a few months and may consider expanding the list of subsidised medicines based on the outcomes.
The order applies uniformly across both private and public medical establishments, requiring them to adjust their pricing structures in line with the new guidelines. Officials said the move will help lower the financial burden on patients undergoing chemotherapy and related treatments.
The health department will monitor compliance and has asked retailers to display the revised price lists prominently. The initiative reflects Assam's broader health‑care strategy to improve access to essential medicines.
Stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups, have welcomed the step, noting that high drug costs have been a major barrier to timely cancer treatment in the region.
The state government plans to review the impact of the price reduction after a few months and may consider expanding the list of subsidised medicines based on the outcomes.