Union Budget 2025: Full Customs Duty Exemption on 36 Life-Saving Drugs—How It Benefits Patients
Imagine battling a life-threatening illness and finding out that the cost of the treatment is beyond reach. For many, expensive medications have been a roadblock to survival. But the Union Budget 2025 has brought a sigh of relief—36 life-saving drugs will now be exempt from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), making them significantly more affordable for patients in India. This move is not just about financial relief; it’s about saving lives, improving access to cutting-edge treatments, and giving hope to millions.
In this article, I'll break down what this exemption means for patients, how it impacts healthcare in India, and the key medications that are now more accessible.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
If you or a loved one has ever had to purchase imported medications, you know how expensive they can be. A significant portion of this cost comes from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), which is a tax imposed on goods imported into India. By removing this tax, the government is directly reducing the price of critical life-saving drugs, making them more affordable for patients suffering from conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, severe asthma, and autoimmune diseases.
But this isn’t just about cost-cutting. It’s about bridging the healthcare gap and ensuring that patients don’t have to choose between financial ruin and staying alive.
Which Drugs Are Now More Affordable?
The list of 36 life-saving drugs exempted from customs duty includes treatments for some of the most debilitating and life-threatening diseases. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. Cancer Treatments
Cancer medications are among the most expensive, often costing lakhs of rupees per cycle. With this exemption, patients suffering from cancer now have better access to breakthrough treatments such as:
Pembrolizumab – Used for various cancers.
Nivolumab, Trastuzumab, Rituximab, Bevacizumab – Effective in different types of cancer treatment.
Daratumumab, Atezolizumab, Durvalumab, Avelumab, Blinatumomab – Advanced immunotherapy options.
Ibrutinib, Venetoclax – Targeted cancer therapies for leukemia and lymphoma.
2. Autoimmune Disease Medications
For those battling rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease, these drugs will now be much more affordable:
Tocilizumab – Used in severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Secukinumab, Ixekizumab, Ustekinumab, Guselkumab, Brodalumab – Treat psoriasis and inflammatory conditions.
3. Neurological and Blood Disorder Medications
People suffering from multiple sclerosis, blood disorders, and rare genetic conditions can benefit from:
Ocrelizumab – Helps in multiple sclerosis treatment.
Eculizumab – Used for rare blood disorders.
Elosulfase alfa, Idursulfase, Laronidase, Galsulfase – Treat genetic disorders like Hunter syndrome, Hurler syndrome, and Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome.
4. Severe Asthma and Allergy Treatments
Severe asthma can be life-threatening, but now these treatments are within reach:
Reslizumab, Mepolizumab, Benralizumab, Omalizumab, Tezepelumab – Reduce severe asthma attacks and improve quality of life.
5. Osteoporosis Treatments
For those suffering from osteoporosis and bone disorders, these treatments will now be cheaper:
Romosozumab, Abaloparatide, Teriparatide, Denosumab – Help in strengthening bones and preventing fractures.
How Does This Impact Patients?
This exemption is a game-changer, especially for middle-class and lower-income families who struggle to afford imported medications. Here’s how it helps:
✅ Significant Cost Reduction: Lower drug prices mean patients can complete their treatments without financial strain.
✅ Better Access to Treatment: Many people avoid costly biologics and targeted therapies due to high prices. With lower costs, more patients can now access these advanced treatments.
✅ Improved Survival Rates: When life-saving drugs become more accessible, survival rates for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and rare disorders improve.
✅ Reduced Medical Debt: Patients often take loans or sell assets to afford critical medicines. Lower drug prices mean less financial burden.
Who Benefits the Most?
This decision directly benefits:
Cancer patients who need expensive immunotherapy and targeted drugs.
Patients with rare genetic disorders who rely on imported enzyme replacement therapies.
People with multiple sclerosis and autoimmune diseases who require long-term biologic treatments.
Elderly patients suffering from osteoporosis and needing bone-strengthening medications.
This move also reduces pressure on health insurance providers and government healthcare schemes, as it makes high-cost treatments more affordable even for non-insured patients.
What’s Next? Will Drug Prices Drop Immediately?
While the exemption is effective immediately, the price drop may take some time as pharmaceutical companies and importers adjust to the new duty-free structure. However, patients should start seeing lower prices within a few months.
If you or someone you know requires any of these life-saving drugs, it’s worth checking with your doctor or pharmacist about the expected price reduction and availability.
FAQs About the BCD Exemption on Life-Saving Drugs
Q: What is Basic Customs Duty (BCD), and why is its removal important?
A: BCD is a tax levied on imported goods. Removing it for life-saving drugs significantly lowers their cost, making them accessible to more patients.
Q: Which diseases benefit the most from this exemption?
A: Cancer, multiple sclerosis, severe asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and rare genetic disorders.
Q: Will all patients see immediate price drops?
A: Prices may take a few months to adjust, but the reduction is expected soon.
Q: Can I still claim insurance for these drugs?
A: Yes! Even though the cost is lower, insurance coverage remains the same, meaning out-of-pocket expenses could be even lower.
Q: Where can I buy these drugs at a lower cost?
A: Major hospitals, pharmacies, and online medical platforms will update their pricing once the duty-free structure is fully implemented.
Final Thoughts: A Step Towards Affordable Healthcare
The Union Budget 2025 has set a powerful precedent—healthcare should be affordable and accessible. This move to exempt 36 life-saving drugs from customs duty is not just about economics; it’s about giving patients a fighting chance to survive and thrive.
If you or someone you love relies on any of these medications, now is the time to speak to your doctor, check new prices, and make informed decisions about treatment options.
This is a monumental step towards healthcare affordability in India, and hopefully, more essential drugs will follow suit in the future.
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