Budget 2024: 3 Essential Cancer Drugs Likely To Be Exempted of Customs Duty

25 Jul 2024

6 Min. Read

Last updated on 02 Jan 2026

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post has been compiled from the Union Budget 2024, dated July 23. The changes in customs duty have not taken effect as yet. The timeline for implementation is also not on record, so we encourage our readers to refrain from making any purchase decisions solely based on this coverage.

The Union Budget 2024 proposed a significant policy change aimed at making healthcare more accessible and affordable in India. The government announced a customs duty exemption on cancer medicines.

This is expected to reduce the cost of these life-saving cancer medications, providing much-needed financial relief to patients and caregivers across the country. Let’s get into more details of this proposal and the impact it is expected to have.

How the zero customs duty proposal would benefit patients and caregivers?

1. Reduced Financial Burden: The customs duty exemption on essential cancer drugs could significantly lower their cost by around 15% to 20%, providing substantial financial relief to patients and their families.

This reduction in medication costs means that patients can allocate their resources to other essential aspects of their treatment, such as nutrition, supportive care, and travel expenses for medical consultations.

2. Increased Access to Advanced Treatments: The lowered prices make advanced cancer treatment more accessible, enabling a broader range of patients to benefit from cutting-edge therapies.

This is particularly beneficial for patients who previously could not afford these medications due to high costs. As a result, more patients can receive optimal treatment, improving their chances of recovery and prolonging survival.

3. Improved Treatment Adherence: Financial constraints often lead patients to skip doses or discontinue treatment prematurely. With the reduced cost of these drugs, patients are more likely to adhere to their prescribed treatment regimens, which can lead to better health outcomes.

Consistent treatment is crucial in managing cancer effectively and reducing the risk of disease progression.

4. Support for Caregivers: Reduced costs will also benefit caregivers, who often bear a significant emotional and financial burden. Lower medication expenses ease the economic strain on families, allowing caregivers to focus more on providing emotional and physical support to the patient.

This can also reduce the stress and anxiety experienced by caregivers, improving their overall well-being.

5. Enhanced Availability of Medications: The exemption makes these drugs more affordable, so healthcare facilities are more likely to stock them in sufficient quantities. This ensures that patients can access these medications without delays, which is critical for timely cancer recovery.

Improved availability also means less stress for caregivers, who often have to navigate the challenges of sourcing expensive medications.

6. Encouragement for Early Diagnosis: The availability of affordable treatment options may encourage patients to seek medical advice earlier, leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention.

Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates in cancer patients.

7. Broader Healthcare Access: The policy supports broader access to advanced cancer treatments, not just for urban populations but also for those in rural areas where healthcare resources are often limited. This inclusivity ensures that all patients, regardless of their geographic location or economic status, have the opportunity to receive high-quality care.

What are the specific benefits of the exempted cancer drugs?

1. Trastuzumab Deruxtecan is used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. It targets cancer cells more precisely, reducing damage to healthy cells and improving patient outcomes.

According to Dr Meera Sharma, an oncologist at Apollo Hospitals, "The availability of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan at a lower cost will be a game changer for breast cancer patients. It will allow for more widespread use of this effective therapy."

2. Osimertinib is a targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. It is particularly effective in cases with specific genetic mutations and offers a personalised approach to treatment.

Dr. Rajesh Gupta, a pulmonologist, notes, "The exemption on Osimertinib is crucial for lung cancer patients, especially those with the EGFR mutation, as it offers a targeted treatment option with fewer side effects."

3. Durvalumab is an immunotherapy drug used to treat urothelial carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. It enhances the body's immune response against cancer cells.

The exemption on these drugs allows for broader use of advanced therapies that might otherwise be out of reach for many patients. This is especially important in a country like India, where healthcare disparities are significant.

The reduction in costs is expected to increase the availability of these drugs in hospitals and clinics, particularly in public healthcare settings where budget constraints often limit the stock of expensive medications.

What are the broader implications of this customs duty exception?

1. Healthcare Equity: The customs duty exemption is a significant step toward achieving healthcare equity in India. By making advanced treatments more accessible, the policy ensures that all patients, regardless of their economic status, can benefit from the latest medical advancements.

2. Encouraging Early Diagnosis and Treatment: With more affordable treatments available, patients are likely to seek medical advice earlier, leading to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. Early intervention can make cancer prevention easier.

3. Supporting Public Health Goals: The policy supports India's broader public health goals by making essential medications more accessible. It is a part of the government's efforts to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, which is a growing concern in India.

4. Impact on Healthcare Providers: By making essential cancer drugs more affordable, the policy eases the financial burden on healthcare providers. This allows them to allocate resources more effectively and potentially invest in other critical areas of patient care.

5. Stimulating Local Production: The exemption could also help the local pharmaceutical industry produce these and similar drugs, reducing dependence on imports and enhancing the country's self-sufficiency in healthcare.

Expert opinions on the move

1. Dr Harsh Mahajan: "The customs duty exemption on these critical drugs is a much-needed step in the right direction. It will democratise access to advanced cancer treatments and make them accessible to a broader segment of the population."

2. Dr Shyam Aggarwal: "This policy will bridge the gap in cancer care, particularly for patients from lower-income backgrounds who struggle to afford these treatments. It is a move that will undoubtedly save lives."

3. Dr Anita Rao: "Immunotherapy has revolutionised cancer treatment, and making drugs like Durvalumab more affordable will allow more patients to benefit from these innovative therapies. It is a significant advancement for oncology in India."

4. Economic Impact: The reduced cost of cancer treatments is expected to lower out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, which constitute a significant portion of total healthcare spending in India. This change can alleviate financial distress for families and improve overall public health outcomes.

5. Future Directions: Experts suggest that the government could consider extending similar exemptions to other life-saving drugs, further enhancing healthcare accessibility and affordability in India.

What’s in store?

This policy is a crucial step towards a more equitable healthcare system in India, where advanced treatments are accessible to all, regardless of economic status. As the country moves forward, continued efforts to make healthcare more affordable and accessible will be essential in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and ensuring that all citizens have access to the care they need.

References

Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general knowledge. It is important to remember that it should not replace professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about cancer or related symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider.