Posted By :  Admin1

In a major relief for patients requiring expensive treatments, the Indian government has granted a full customs duty exemption on 36 life-saving medicines. These include drugs for cancer, rare diseases, and other critical health conditions. Additionally, six more medicines will now be subject to a reduced customs duty of 5%. The move is expected to lower the cost of these crucial treatments and make them more accessible to those in need.  

The exemption list features key medications such as Tepotinib, which is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, and Avelumab, a monoclonal antibody prescribed for certain cancers. Other drugs like Asciminib, which targets specific white blood cell cancers, and Alglucosidase Alfa, used for Pompe disease, have also been included. The exemption is expected to significantly reduce financial strain on patients undergoing treatment for these conditions.  

Along with these exemptions, the government has expanded the number of medicines eligible for duty-free import under various Patient Assistance Programmes. A total of 37 new medicines and 13 additional assistance programs have been added to the list. This initiative is aimed at supporting patients who require high-cost treatments by improving access to essential medications at reduced or no cost.  

Officials believe that this decision will not only ease the financial burden on patients and their families but also strengthen India’s healthcare infrastructure. By making critical medicines more affordable, the government aims to ensure that more people can benefit from advanced medical treatments without facing significant financial hardships.  

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of improving healthcare affordability and accessibility across the country. Experts have welcomed the move, emphasizing that it could lead to better health outcomes and improved survival rates for patients with serious medical conditions.