• The Indian government has fully exempted 36 life-saving drugs from basic customs duty, aiming to ease costs for cancer and rare disease patients.
  • The Budget also includes 10,000 new medical college seats, 200 daycare cancer centers, broadband for healthcare facilities, and healthcare for gig workers.

The Indian government has announced a full exemption from basic customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs used in the treatment of cancer and rare diseases, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed while presenting the Union Budget on Saturday.

In addition, 37 other medicines and 13 new patient assistance programs have also been granted exemptions. However, six life-saving drugs will continue to attract a five percent duty.

"To provide relief to patients, especially those suffering from cancer and rare diseases, I propose 36 life-saving drugs in fully exempted custom duties," Sitharaman stated during her budget speech.

The move follows a similar exemption in the previous Budget, where the government reduced customs duties and GST rates on three anti-cancer medications—Trastuzumab, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab.

Cancer remains a major health concern in India. A Lancet study estimated that the country recorded approximately 12 lakh new cancer cases and 9.3 lakh deaths in 2019, making it the second-highest contributor to cancer burden in Asia. The number of cases has continued to rise, reaching 13.9 lakh in 2020 and further increasing to 14.6 lakh in 2022.

Beyond drug exemptions, the Budget also outlined key healthcare initiatives. Sitharaman announced plans to add 10,000 new medical college seats next year, with a total of 75,000 seats to be introduced over the next five years. Furthermore, all district hospitals will have daycare cancer centers, with 200 such facilities slated for establishment in 2025-26.

The Budget also prioritizes healthcare accessibility and digital connectivity. Broadband services will be extended to all government secondary schools and primary healthcare centers, aiming to improve infrastructure in remote areas.

Additionally, gig workers will be provided healthcare coverage under the PM Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY), addressing a crucial segment of the workforce that often lacks medical insurance.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah