Finance Minister Announces Exemption of 36 Life-Saving Drugs from Basic Customs Duty in Budget 2025-26

New Delhi, Feb 1 (KNN) In her 8th consecutive budget presentation for the year 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a key measure aimed at making healthcare more affordable for the public.

As part of the Union Budget, she announced that 36 life-saving drugs would be fully exempted from basic customs duty.

This move is expected to significantly reduce the cost of medicines, particularly those used in critical treatments, by eliminating the import duties.

The decision aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and affordability, especially for diseases requiring expensive drugs.

The exemption will help boost access to essential medications, thus supporting the country's broader health goals and alleviating the financial burden on patients.

The Ministry of Finance highlighted that this step would also make these drugs more readily available in the domestic market, ensuring that the nation’s healthcare system continues to evolve and meet the needs of its population.

The move also highlights the government's commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector, especially in the context of ongoing global health challenges.

(KNN Bureau)