July 23, 2024
2 mins read

Duty-Free Cancer Drugs: Health Experts Hail Move

In her seventh budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday also called for exemptions in custom duties on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors….reports Asian Lite News

Calling it a welcome step, oncologists on Tuesday hailed the Central government’s move to exempt customs duty on three more cancer drugs.

The three drugs are Trastuzumab deruxtecan (for breast cancer), Osimertinib (lung cancer drug for EGFR mutation), and Durvalumab (for lung and biliary tract cancers). Deruxtecan drug can be used in all cancers with Her2 positive gene

Speaking to IANS, Jyotsna Govil, Chairperson of the Indian Cancer Society said that the exemption has “given a relief to the countless cancer patients” in the country.

“The exemption of customs duty on three cancer medicines is a significant step forward. Also, the initiative and public investment in digital infrastructure and innovations will vastly improve access to essential health services for people in Tier II and III and rural areas,” Govil said.

According to Dr Shyam Aggarwal, Chairman, Department of Medical Oncology, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital: “All imported life-saving drugs are costly and customs duty exemption is a welcome step”.

“Cancer drugs are very expensive and life-saving. Patients require long-term treatment. All steps to bring the cost down are more than welcome,” he added.

In her seventh budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday also called for exemptions in custom duties on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors.

“I also propose changes in the BCD (Basic Customs Duty), X-ray tubes, and flat panel detectors for use in medical X-ray machines under the phased manufacturing programme to synchronise them with domestic capacity addition,” said FM Sitharaman.

“Exemption of three life-saving medicines for cancer treatment is a welcome step. Exemption of customs duty on components of X-ray tubes and digital detectors will lead to spurring of indigenous manufacturing of digital X-ray machines in India,” Dr Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chairman, Chairman FICCI Health Services and Mahajan Imaging & Labs.

“Allocation of funds for innovation and skilling will also help those who are working in the healthcare sector,” he added.

ALSO READ: BUDGET 2024: What Becomes Cheaper And What’s Costlier?

Previous Story

BUDGET 2024: What Becomes Cheaper And What’s Costlier?

Next Story

SCO Members Hold Joint Anti-Terror Drill

Latest from -Top News

Trump tariffs send world markets into panic

US benchmark crude oil shed $2.70 to $64.25 a barrel after major oil producers announced they plan to increase production. Brent crude, the international standard, was down $2.63 at $67.51 a barrel

EU prepares retaliation for Trump’s tariffs

The European Commission is assembling a fresh round of counter-tariffs aimed at US goods, adding to two existing lists of potential targets—one of which includes products that were hit by suspended tariffs

US, EU slam China’s war games near Taiwan

US President Donald Trump underscored the need to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait, advocating for a diplomatic approach to cross-strait tensions while warning against the use of force The United States

£13.9 billion of R&D fund to boost innovation, jobs

Funding outlined to support transformational R&D in areas like life sciences, green energy, engineering and beyond More UK innovators like those developing treatment-transforming dementia tests or building world-leading testing facilities to power
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Indian-Origin Teen Takes 2nd in U.S. Young Scientist Contest

Kalbhavi said in a blog post on the 3M Young

‘India came out of pandemic relatively stronger’

World Bank chief says gains made on poverty over the