Government's Bold Move: Zero Customs Duty on Lifesaving Cancer Drugs

The government proposed exempting three crucial cancer medicines from customs duties to make treatments more affordable. The changes also include adjustments in basic customs duties on x-ray equipment components to boost domestic manufacturing and competitiveness. Experts hailed the move as a significant step in healthcare affordability and accessibility.

On Tuesday, the government announced a proposal to fully exempt customs duties on three essential cancer medicines: Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab. This significant decision was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget for 2024-25.

The initiative aims to make advanced cancer treatments more affordable for patients. Additionally, changes in basic customs duty (BCD) on x-ray tubes and flat panel detectors used in medical x-ray machines under the phased manufacturing programme have been proposed, aligning them with domestic capacity.

FICCI Health Services Committee Chairman Harsh Mahajan and Fortis Hospital's Neurology Chief Praveen Gupta praised the move. They noted that while the measures were less than anticipated, they would make critical treatments more accessible and affordable, reinforcing domestic capabilities in the healthcare sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)