In a big relief to cancer patients, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2024, exempted customs duty on three cancer drugs. Healthcare Budget 2024 : In the Union Budget 2024-25 presented on Tuesday, the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announced the exemption of customs duty on three crucial cancer treatment medicines. In this year's budget, the health minister also outlined modifications to the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors used in medical X-ray machines as part of the Phased Manufacturing Program to "enhance domestic production capacity.
" Addressing the Budget speech on Tuesday, FM Sitharaman said, "To provide relief to cancer patients, I propose to fully exempt three more medicines from customs duties. I also propose changes in the BCD on x-ray tubes & flat panel detectors for use in medical x-ray machines " These initiatives are part of the government's comprehensive strategy to improve healthcare affordability and accessibility, while also promoting local manufacturing and innovation in the medical sector. TheHealthSite.
com reached out to experts for their opinions on the government proposals for the healthcare sector in the Budget 2024. Here is what experts have to say: " The exemption of customs duties on three cancer treatment medicines is a significant step towards making life-saving treatments more affordable for patients. Additionally, the proposed changes in basic customs duties for x-ray tubes and flat panel detectors will bolster the domestic manufacturing of essential medical equipment, ensuring better accessibility and reduced costs.
The government's commitment to constructing new medical colleges is also commendable, as it will help bridge the gap in medical education and healthcare services, especially in developing areas of the nation. These measures reflect a positive move towards improving healthcare infrastructure and patient care across India," said Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
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