The Union Budget 2025 has brought great news for patients battling cancer, rare diseases, and chronic illnesses. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that 36 life-saving drugs will now be completely exempt from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), reducing treatment costs for millions of people.
Key Healthcare Announcements
- Full Customs Duty Exemption on 36 Life-Saving Drugs
- These medicines, used for treating cancer, rare diseases, and severe chronic conditions, will now be more affordable.
- 5% Concessional Duty on Six Essential Medicines
- Additional relief on six more vital drugs.
- Expansion of Patient Assistance Programs
- 37 more medicines will now be provided free of cost to eligible patients.
- 200 Cancer Daycare Centers to Be Set Up
- Government hospitals will establish these centers across all districts in the next three years.
- Support for Pharma Manufacturing
- Customs duty exemptions for bulk drugs will help in local production and reduce costs.
- Changes in Medical Equipment Import Duty
- This will encourage domestic manufacturing of X-ray machines and medical devices.
What This Means for Patients
Patients suffering from serious conditions like cancer, hemophilia, rare genetic disorders, and severe asthma will now have access to critical medicines at lower costs. Additionally, free medication programs will further support patients who need financial assistance.
List of Key Life-Saving Drugs Now Tax-Free
S. No. | Drug Name |
1 | Onasemnogene abeparvovec |
2 | Asciminib |
3 | Mepolizumab |
4 | Pegylated Liposomal Irinotecan |
5 | Daratumumab |
6 | Daratumumab (subcutaneous) |
7 | Teclistamab |
8 | Amivantamab |
9 | Alectinib |
10 | Risdiplam |
11 | Obinutuzumab |
12 | Polatuzumab vedotin |
13 | Entrectinib |
14 | Atezolizumab |
15 | Spesolimab |
16 | Velaglucerase Alpha |
17 | Agalsidase Alfa |
18 | Rurioctocog Alpha Pegol |
19 | Idursulphatase |
20 | Alglucosidase Alfa |
21 | Laronidase |
22 | Olipudase Alfa |
23 | Tepotinib |
24 | Avelumab |
25 | Emicizumab |
26 | Belumosudil |
27 | Miglustat |
28 | Velmanase Alfa |
29 | Alirocumab |
30 | Evolocumab |
31 | Cystamine Bitartrate |
32 | CI-Inhibitor injection |
33 | Inclisiran |
34 | Agalsidase Beta |
35 | Imiglucerase |
36 | Eptacog Alfa (activated recombinant coagulation factor VIIa) |
37 Additional Life-Saving Drugs Under Patient Assistance Programs:
These medicines will also be fully exempt from customs duty, ensuring they remain available at no cost to eligible patients. Some of the major drugs that will become more affordable include:
- Pembrolizumab (MSD Pharmaceuticals) – Cancer immunotherapy
- Lorlatinib (Pfizer) – Lung cancer treatment
- Mepolizumab (GSK Pharmaceuticals) – Severe asthma treatment
- Alectinib (Roche) – Lung cancer treatment
- Amivantamab (Johnson & Johnson) – Non-small cell lung cancer
- Teclistamab (Johnson & Johnson) – Multiple myeloma
- Daratumumab + Hyaluronidase-fihj (Johnson & Johnson) – Multiple myeloma
- Cetuximab (Merck) – Head and neck cancer
- Atezolizumab (Roche) – Immunotherapy for multiple cancers
- Faricimab (Roche) – Treatment for diabetic macular edema
- Brentuximab Vedotin (Takeda) – Lymphoma treatment
How India’s Healthcare System Will Benefit
By reducing customs duty on these medicines and medical equipment, the government aims to:
- Lower treatment costs for patients.
- Encourage domestic production of critical medicines.
- Improve access to advanced healthcare treatments.
A Step Towards Affordable Healthcare
With Budget 2025, the government is making crucial medicines more affordable and accessible for people who need them the most. This initiative will help ease the financial burden on patients and families while improving healthcare outcomes in India.
Take Action Today!
If you or someone you know is undergoing treatment for cancer, rare diseases, or chronic conditions, speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about these newly exempted medicines. Stay informed, take advantage of these benefits, and ensure you get the best treatment at lower costs!
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