GUWAHATI: The Union Budget 2025-26 has announced substantial relief on import duties for a range of lifesaving drugs and medicines. Thirty-six lifesaving drugs and medicines have been fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD).
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Furthermore, six other lifesaving medicines will now attract a concessional customs duty of just 5%, down from the previous rates. This reduction will also contribute to making these treatments more financially viable.
The Budget also addressed the issue of affordability for patients relying on Patient assistance programmes run by pharmaceutical companies. Specified drugs and medicines under these programmes have now been fully exempted from BCD. This exemption has been extended to include 37 additional medicines and 13 new patient assistance programmes, broadening the scope of relief for those in need.
These measures are expected to have a positive impact on patients requiring critical and often expensive treatments.
