Central Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Central Budget presented in the Parliament announced exemption from customs duty on three major cancer drugs namely trastuzumab terexteccan, osimertinib and durvalumab.
Considering that there are 27 lakh cancer patients in the country, the Central Ministry of Health and Family Welfare forwarded this request to the Finance Ministry. In compliance with this demand, these medicines have been exempted from customs duty. These 3 drugs are used for different types of cancer.
Trastuzumab terexteccan – breast cancer,
Osimertinib – lung cancer,
Durvalumab – lung cancer, biliary tract cancer,
The Central Finance Minister has also revised the customs duty rates on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors. These revised rates are expected to have a positive impact on the X-ray machine industry by improving the availability of low-cost parts. This change is expected to boost the domestic medical device industry.
For the National Health Mission, an increase of Rs.4000 crore has been allocated to Rs.36,000 crore in this budget. National Health Mission is a centrally funded programme. It provides primary and secondary healthcare services in the country. The aim of the government is to reduce out-of-pocket spending by the public.
Also, in the Central Budget 2024-25, it is proposed to set up 100 weekly “hots” or street food centers in selected cities. The initiative aims to boost local economies.
