Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a complete exemption from customs duties for three critical cancer medications, a move that oncologists predict will provide substantial benefits to patients.
Experts estimate that this exemption could reduce the cost of these drugs by up to 20%. In the revised estimates for the 2023-24 fiscal year, the health ministry’s budget has been increased by 12.59% to ₹90,658.63 crore.
Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM) has been allocated ₹3,200 crore. The exempted drugs – trastuzumab deruxtecan, osimertinib, and durvalumab are utilized in targeted cancer therapies for specific cancer types.
As reported by hindustantimes.com, out of the total ₹90,658.63 crore, ₹87,656.90 crore has been designated for the department of health and family welfare, while ₹3,301.73 crore has been allocated to the department of health Research.