PANAJI: In a move aimed at giving people greater access to high-cost medical treatment for cancer and rare diseases, Goa rolled out an innovative pricing policy for life-saving therapies.Under the policy, the state govt will procure drugs, medical equipment, and diagnostics from pharmaceutical firms at a lower negotiated price from the listed price, enabling budget allocation to cater to more patients or support a longer duration for therapies.Vishwajit Rane, health minister, said on Wednesday the govt is the first in the country to adopt this policy framework, which enables confidential pricing agreements between govt and pharmaceutical innovators. The rollout is likely to begin with lung cancer treatment.Innovative therapies for diseases like cancer, rare genetic disorders, and autoimmune conditions can cost upwards of Rs 50 lakh per year, making them difficult for most patients, he said.“Goa’s adoption of this pricing policy is a vital and timely step to advance health equity in the state. This value-based approach to pricing will improve access for patients and marks a new era focusing on helping more patients,” Rane said.This new innovation will prove beneficial to Goa, which is in the upper quartile of the list of highest cancer incidence rates in the country. The state sees around 1,500 new cancer patients every year, which is set to increase by 5% each year, with the most common cancer being breast cancer, accounting for over 300 annual cases, followed by oral cavity cancer, which accounts for 20-25% of all cancers.The healthcare system must be better equipped to handle the growing burden of cancers and rare disease cases, Rane said.A committee chaired by the additional or joint secretary of health and comprising the dean of GMC, director of health services, and pharmacy heads will be constituted to recommend appropriate pricing for approval by govt. The committee will also be empowered to negotiate with firms to secure the best rate for patented drugs and equipment after signing agreements.