Vishnupriya
On Saturday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced exemption of custom duty on 36 life saving drugs. This move will be a great relief to those dealing with cancer and rare diseases. Additionally, 37 more medicines and 13 new patient assistance programs have also been exempted from the basic customs duty.
The government had earlier cut customs duties on Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib and Durvalumab from 10 per cent to nil.
“The exemption of basic customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs and concessional rates on six more is a crucial step in reducing treatment costs for patients battling cancer, rare diseases, and chronic illnesses. Additionally, waiving customs duty on medicines provided through patient assistance programs is a progressive move, expanding access to essential drugs for those in financial distress. With 37 new medicines and 13 more patient assistance programs added, this initiative will significantly benefit underprivileged patients. However, it is vital to ensure transparency and efficiency in the implementation of these programs so that the support reaches those who need it most,” said Mr. Behram Khodaiji, CEO, Ruby Hall Clinic Pune.
Apart from this, the government aims to promote medical tourism, addition of 10,000 seats in medical colleges and hospitals next year, adding to 75000 seats in the next 5 years, setting up Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals in the next 3 years, 200 Centres in 2025-26.
The government’s initiatives to promote medical tourism, expand medical education, and strengthen cancer care facilities are significant steps toward improving the healthcare sector. These measures will not only enhance accessibility and affordability of healthcare but also contribute to technological advancements, medical expertise, and economic growth.
By promoting medical tourism, India can attract international patients seeking high-quality and cost-effective treatments. This will bring foreign exchange earnings, creating additional revenue for hospitals, medical institutions, and the government. The increased demand will encourage investment in healthcare infrastructure, leading to the establishment of world-class hospitals and advanced medical technology. It will create employment opportunities. A thriving medical tourism industry will also position India as a global healthcare leader, attracting more research collaborations and international partnerships.
The addition of new medical seats will significantly improve the availability of trained healthcare professionals. India has a doctor-to-patient ratio challenge, and increasing medical seats will help bridge this gap by producing more qualified doctors, specialists, and paramedics. More medical colleges will lead to better healthcare access in rural and underserved areas, ensuring a wider distribution of medical expertise.
The plan to set up Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals will revolutionize cancer care. Cancer treatment requires early diagnosis, continuous monitoring, and specialized care, which these centers will provide at the district level, making quality treatment more accessible and affordable. Patients will no longer have to travel long distances to metro cities, reducing the burden on large hospitals and easing financial and logistical challenges for families.
