The Union Budget 2026–27 exempted basic customs duty on 17 critical cancer drugs. The government hoped this move would reduce treatment costs for patients relying on expensive imported medicines. However, after this policy change, affordability remains a major concern for many families.
Cost Remains High Despite Duty Exemption
Although the duty exemption aimed to lower prices, treatment costs for many innovative cancer drugs still stay extremely high. For example, Ribociclib — a key medicine for advanced breast cancer costs around ₹24,355 per 21-tablet strip even after the tax break. In a typical treatment cycle, patients need multiple strips each month, resulting in annual drug expenses running into lakhs of rupees. Over a full three-year treatment period, total costs can reach nearly ₹25 lakh.
Expert Views on Accessibility and Patents
As per Times of India, public health experts and researchers argue that the customs waiver has offered only marginal relief and little real benefit for most patients. They point out that these cancer therapies are still priced far above what most families can afford.
Experts further note that many of these medicines are under patent protection, which prevents cheaper generic versions from entering the market. Without mechanisms like compulsory licensing — which was used successfully for a liver cancer drug in 2012 — treatment costs will remain out of reach for many households.
Some Institutional Support, but Limits Persist
Institutions such as Tata Memorial Hospital offer certain cancer drugs at reduced prices compared with the open market. However, even these discounted rates are still high for long-term treatment, according to hospital specialists. Overall, while the government’s duty exemption is a step toward easing costs, experts believe that more comprehensive policy action is needed to make life-saving cancer drugs genuinely affordable and accessible to a broader population.