The government imposed a ceiling of 30% trade margins on selected anticancer medicines to make these more affordable. While putting a cap on what manufacturers charge, which has been under price control under the Drug (Price Control) Order, 2013 and also earlier, the government has kept traders’ margins untouched. Prices of the same products sold by different manufacturers vary widely and the overall consumer gain has not been significant. The government has not adequately used the policy options available or tried to control the prices of patented medicines. Compulsory licensing has also practically remained unexplored. The high prices of biologic products are highlighted and the importance of simplification of the regulatory barriers to make the market more competitive and price-sensitive is emphasised.
