Major customs duty exemptions on life-saving medicines in the Union Budget –2026 could ease the financial burden of medical expenses on thousands of families .This budget is a step towards affordable and more accessible.
Healthcare especially for critical illnesses like cancer and rare diseases that often push families into emotional and financial distress. Recognizing this challenge, the government has decided to make essential treatment more affordable by reducing import costs on key drugs.
Cancer Treatment
The government announced targeted relief for cancer patients by exempting basic customs duty on 17 essential cancer drugs and medicines, aimed at reducing treatment costs and improve access for patients across the country.
Patients suffering from rare diseases often struggle even more. Specialized medicines and medical foods required for treatment are usually not easily available in India and must be imported at high prices. With seven more rare diseases now included under duty exemption for personal imports, families may find some much-needed financial relief.
For many patients battling serious illnesses, even a small reduction in medicine costs can make a significant difference.
Beyond numbers and policy language, this union budget brings hope that treatment becomes less about affordability and more about recovery.
(Dr Naresh Purohit is (Executive Member- Federation of Hospital Administrator. The view expressed are that of the writer)