Cancer patients across India can expect a significant reduction in treatment costs after the National Cancer Grid (NCG) negotiated discounts of up to 85% for bulk procurement of key cancer medicines. The initiative will directly benefit 50 hospitals under the NCG, ensuring that essential drugs reach even remote regions where high transport costs earlier discouraged pharma companies from supplying medicines.
Expanding Access Through Collective Procurement
The NCG, funded by the Department of Atomic Energy, connects over 380 healthcare institutions, research centres, and NGOs across India and 15 other countries. Announcing the initiative during the NCG’s annual meeting at the Tata Memorial Centre on August 2, Convenor Dr. C.S. Pramesh explained that the programme ensures access to high-quality drugs at significantly reduced costs.
This marks the second cycle of the initiative. The pilot, launched in 2019, had covered 40 drugs that were made available at discounted rates across 23 healthcare centres. Now, 50 hospitals stand to benefit, with plans to expand coverage to all NCG member institutions.
Ensuring Supply to Rural and Remote Hospitals
Dr. Pramesh highlighted that the deal addresses a long-standing challenge. “Previously, companies were reluctant to supply medicines to smaller hospitals in rural areas due to higher costs. With this agreement, remote hospitals will not face the stockouts they usually did, as companies are now bound to supply,” he said.
The NCG has already issued tenders to pharma companies, specifying the volume of drugs needed at the 50 participating hospitals. The arrangement assures manufacturers of higher demand volumes, encouraging them to supply quality medicines more consistently.
Wide Range of Medicines Covered
As reported by Hindustan Times, the programme includes medications used in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, supportive care, as well as antibiotics, antifungals, and more than 260 other drugs. “The cost reduction is expected to be substantial, not only lowering out-of-pocket expenses for patients but also freeing up hospital funds for other critical initiatives,” Dr. Pramesh added.
Expert Reactions from Healthcare Leaders
Dr. Sangeeta Mudaliar, Head of Hematology Oncology at BJ Wadia Hospital, noted that chemotherapy patients would benefit the most. “In cancer treatment, a large proportion of the expenses come from drugs, antibiotics, blood, and radiology tests. For charitable trusts like Wadia, this initiative will make cancer treatment affordable and sustainable,” she said.
Alka S. Bisen, CEO of the Cancer Patients Aid Association, echoed the sentiment. “Medicines form the biggest share of expenses for cancer patients, often forcing families to spend heavily out of pocket. With group procurement, over 200 types of drugs will now be available at much lower prices across NCG-member hospitals,” she explained.
Reducing Delays and Bringing Care Closer to Patients
Bisen also pointed out that the initiative will help prevent delays in treatment. “Many patients, especially in rural districts, are diagnosed only at advanced stages because specialised centres are far away. With several new cancer centres opening under the NCG umbrella, patients can now access timely treatment closer to home, easing the burden on large hospitals like Tata Memorial in Mumbai,” she added.
A Step Toward Affordable, Timely Cancer Care
Patients have welcomed the initiative, noting that affordable and timely access to medicines will reduce the financial strain on families. It will also ease pressure on major urban cancer centres, allowing patients to receive high-quality care locally. For many who could not afford therapy earlier, this initiative promises to make life-saving treatment a reality.