In a significant move aimed at enhancing healthcare affordability, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the exemption of basic customs duty for 17 critical cancer drugs during her Budget 2026-27 speech on Sunday. This announcement underscores the government's continued commitment to making advanced medical treatments more accessible and reducing the financial burden on patients battling cancer.
Key Drugs Included in the Exemption
The list of drugs granted customs duty exemption includes several immunotherapies and targeted therapies that are essential for treating various types of cancer. Among the notable medications are Ribociclib, Ceritinib, and Trametinib, which are used in the management of conditions such as breast cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, and leukaemia. These newer therapies are known for their survival benefits, and the duty exemption is expected to lower their market prices significantly.
Continuation of Previous Initiatives
This announcement builds upon earlier efforts by the government to reduce the cost of cancer treatments. During the interim budget, Sitharaman had already reduced customs duty on three advanced anti-cancer therapies. Furthermore, last year, the government exempted 37 medicines and 13 patient assistance programmes from customs duties, highlighting a consistent policy approach to healthcare affordability.
Expert Insights on the Impact
Dr Abhishek Shankar, an oncologist from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, emphasized the importance of this move. He stated, "These drugs are crucial for treating breast cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, and leukaemia. As newer therapies with proven survival benefits, any reduction in cost is likely to increase their acceptability among patients and reduce out-of-pocket expenditures." This perspective underscores the potential positive impact on patient outcomes and financial relief.
Expansion to Rare Diseases
In addition to cancer drugs, Sitharaman proposed adding seven more rare diseases to the list for exempting import duties on personal imports of medicines and special foods. Conditions such as familial homozygous hypercholesterolemia, which leads to extremely high cholesterol levels, and primary immune deficiency disorders are included in this expansion. This move aims to support patients with rare conditions by making essential treatments more affordable and accessible.
Government's Broader Healthcare Agenda
The customs duty exemptions align with the government's broader push to lower the prices of newer cancer therapies and improve healthcare infrastructure. By reducing import costs, the initiative is expected to:
- Enhance the availability of advanced cancer treatments in India.
- Decrease the financial strain on patients and their families.
- Encourage the adoption of innovative therapies in clinical practice.
Overall, the Budget 2026-27 announcements reflect a proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges, with a focus on critical areas like cancer and rare diseases. As the government continues to implement such measures, the long-term goal remains to build a more resilient and affordable healthcare system for all citizens.
