Supreme Court slams 10-fold cancer drug price gap as 'daylight dacoity'

The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed concern over the stark disparity in cancer drug pricing, noting that essential medications are sold to consumers at ₹27,000 while retailers purchase them at only ₹2,700—a 10-fold difference. The bench characterized this pricing gap as "broad daylight dacoity" and questioned government authorities on their failure to address the issue.

The court sought clarification on why regulatory mechanisms have not been activated to control such excessive markups on critical medicines. The observation highlights ongoing concerns about drug affordability and accessibility for cancer patients in India.