Union Budget 2026's Cancer Drug Duty Exemption Receives Medical Community's Approval
The medical fraternity has largely welcomed the Centre's decision in the Union Budget 2026-27 to exempt customs duty on 17 life-saving cancer drugs, viewing it as a significant step toward reducing treatment costs for patients. However, the budget has also faced criticism from some doctors for what they perceive as a neglect of primary healthcare and public health infrastructure.
Substantial Relief for Cancer Patients and Broader Healthcare Initiatives
Dr. Ashish Joshi, Director, Co-founder, and Medical Oncologist at MOC Cancer Care and Research Centre, emphasized that the budget brings tangible relief for cancer patients. The exemption of basic customs duty on 17 critical cancer drugs, coupled with the inclusion of seven additional rare diseases under import duty exemption for personal medical use, is expected to directly lower treatment expenses for many patients reliant on imported therapies.
With India recording over 14 lakh new cancer cases annually and cancer being a top health burden, this cost relief is seen as crucial for reducing financial barriers to essential treatment. Projections indicate that cancer incidence in India could rise to around 2 million cases by 2040, highlighting the urgency for expanded care and innovation.
Shirin Wadia, CEO of KEM Hospital in Pune, noted that the duty cuts on 17 cancer-related drugs will provide relief to patients dependent on imported medicines, making life-saving treatments more affordable. She also highlighted other budget announcements, including states supporting the creation of five medical hubs to boost medical tourism, the mention of geriatric care, and the plan to create 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers combining care and allied skills.
Dr. Divij Mane, Director of Noble Hospitals and Noble Research Centre, added that this initiative will generate a wide range of employment opportunities, from doctors and nurses to support staff and service providers.
Dr. Simon Grant, Physician and Trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic, pointed out that mental health services in Western India require urgent attention, and the expansion of NIMHANS 2.0 can help address this gap. He also mentioned that emergency and trauma care in district hospitals will be strengthened for vulnerable populations.
Criticism Over Neglect of Primary Healthcare and Public Health
Despite the positive aspects, Dr. Ravi Wankhedkar, former national president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), expressed strong criticism, stating that primary healthcare and public health infrastructure have been completely neglected in the Union Budget 2026-27. He described the budget as highly disappointing and directionless for the health sector, with nothing special or transformative for healthcare.
Dr. Wankhedkar argued that the promotion of medical tourism will not benefit the common man and will largely aid the private corporate hospital sector. He also noted the absence of incentives for boosting the manufacturing of medical devices in India, calling it a major missed opportunity under the Make in India initiative.
The mixed reactions underscore the ongoing challenges in balancing specialized care with foundational healthcare needs, as India continues to address its growing health burdens and strive for a more inclusive and robust healthcare system.
