Major customs duty exemptions on life-saving medicines in Union Budget could ease…..

New Delhi : Major customs duty exemptions on life-saving medicines in Union Budget -2026 could ease the financial burden of medical expenses on thousands of families .This budget is a step towards affordable and more accessible healthcare especially for critical illnesses like cancer and rare diseases that often push families into emotional and financial distress. Recognizing this challenge, the government has decided to make essential treatment more affordable by reducing import costs on key drugs.

The government announced targeted relief for cancer patients by exempting basic customs duty on 17 essential cancer drugs and medicines, aimed at reducing treatment costs  and improve access for patients across the country.

Patients suffering from rare diseases often struggle even more. Specialized medicines and medical foods required for treatment are usually not easily available in India and must be imported at high prices. With seven more rare diseases now included under duty exemption for personal imports, families may find some much-needed financial relief.

For many patients battling serious illnesses, even a small reduction in medicine costs can make a significant difference.

Beyond numbers and policy language, this Union Budget 2026  brings hope that treatment becomes less about affordability and more about recovery.

Note: Readers are also advised to  read our other interviews and stories on Union Budget-2026 in the website and  our YouTube Channel: @NewsOnRadar477.

—————————————————-                                                                                                                                                              *Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state Health organizations.                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr. Purohit is also Chief Advisor Hospitals Association  of India  and Chief Investigator  Association of Studies for Kidneycare.