In an important step to reduce the financial burden on patients, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitarman announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 that 36 life-saving drugs would be fully exempted from customs.

This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy that aims to reduce the cost of essential health care treatments, especially for cancer patients, who have advocated for long -term affordable options.

The announcement made on February 1, 2025 includes a proposed 5% concessional duties on these drugs, as well as full exemption from customs duties for their manufacturing.

With this, important medicines for millions of patients in India are more accessible.

In February 2024, the government reduced GST (Goods and Services Tax) with three major cancer medicines: Tasteuzumab Deruxtekan, Osimrtinib and Duravalumba. Health experts are saying that this step should be extended to advanced cancer treatment equipment such as radiotherapy machines and robotics along with targeted medical drugs, most of which are approximately 37% in customs.

The medical field has been vocal about the need for low cost in cancer treatment, and this latest budget aligns with demands that provide very important relief to families facing high expenses related to cancer care.

“Basic customs exemption on 36 life-saving drugs and concessional rates on six more are an important step to reduce the cost of treatment for patients suffering from cancer, rare diseases and chronic diseases are a progressive step, the program is a progressive step, Which expands access to the drugs required for those in the financial crisis, “Behram Dhodaji, CEO, Ruby Hall Clinic told indianoday.in.

Sitarman insisted that this decision reflects the government’s commitment to improve the power and access to healthcare. Given the increasing number of cancer cases in India, this discount is particularly important. Along with many patients requiring long -term treatment, it is important to reduce financial stress to improve health results.

The CEO of Gleniagles Healthcare India said, “There is a positive step in addition to 36 drugs on the customs-free list, but continuous efforts are also required to address the overall ability of prescription drugs.”

The Finance Minister also announced provisions to set up cancer care centers in all districts of India during his presentation of the Union Budget for 2025-26.

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