#Modinomics2025: 36 New Life-Saving Drugs Exempted From Customs Duty!

In Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced significant relief measures for patients, particularly those suffering from cancer, rare diseases, and other severe chronic conditions. As part of the initiative, 36 life-saving drugs and medicines will be added to the list of those fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD). Additionally, six more life-saving medicines will be added to the list, attracting a concessional customs duty of just 5%. This exemption and concessional duty will also apply to bulk drugs used in the manufacturing of these medicines. The Budget also focuses on providing greater accessibility to critical medicines through patient assistance programs. Specified drugs under these programs, when supplied free of cost to patients, will continue to be fully exempt from BCD. Moreover, 37 new medicines and 13 new patient assistance programs will be added to this list, ensuring that life-saving treatments become more affordable and widely accessible across the country. These measures in Budget 2025 are aimed at reducing the financial burden on patients and improving the availability of essential medicines for those in need.