The Union Budget 2024 exempts custom duty on key cancer drugs, making Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab more affordable and accessible, easing financial burdens for cancer patients across India.
The Union Budget 2024 has introduced a significant change by exempting custom duty on three crucial cancer drugs: Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab. This exemption removes the previous 10% import tax, offering much-needed financial relief to cancer patients. Dr. Rajashekar C Jaka, a consultant in surgical oncology and robotic surgery at Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Jayanagar, and Malleshwaram, highlights the positive impact this will have on patients struggling with the high costs of cancer treatment.
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan: A Lifeline for Breast Cancer Patients
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan is primarily used to treat breast cancer, but its high cost has been a barrier for many patients, especially those from middle-class and poor backgrounds. This drug is also effective against cancers of the stomach, colon, and other types, making its affordability crucial for broader cancer care. With the custom duty exemption, more patients will have access to this life-saving medication, reducing their dependency on chemotherapy and improving their treatment outcomes.
Osimertinib: Enhancing Quality of Life for Lung Cancer Patients
Osimertinib is a highly effective drug for treating metastatic and advanced lung cancer. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, Osimertinib has minimal side effects, allowing patients to take the medication at home and maintain a better quality of life. The exemption from customs duty will make this drug more accessible, enabling more lung cancer patients to benefit from its therapeutic effects without the financial burden previously imposed by the import tax.
Durvalumab: Making Immunotherapy Accessible
Durvalumab, an immunotherapy drug, targets the PDL1 receptor and is used to treat bladder or urothelial cancer and advanced biliary cancers. Immunotherapy has been gaining prominence for its effectiveness, but its high cost has often made it unaffordable, even for upper-class patients. By removing the custom duty, the Union Budget 2024 makes Durvalumab more accessible, offering new hope to cancer patients who need this advanced treatment.
Overall, the custom duty exemption on these three vital cancer drugs is a significant step forward in making cancer treatment more affordable and accessible in India. This policy change promises to ease the financial burden on patients and improve their quality of life during their cancer care journey.
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