Union Budget 2025: Importing lifesaving drugs and medicines to become cheaper with customs duty exemptions

In the Union Budget 2025-26, the government has announced significant customs duty exemptions to make lifesaving medicines more affordable. A total of 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines will now be fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty, reducing costs for patients reliant on critical treatments.

Additionally, 6 more lifesaving medicines will attract a concessional customs duty of 5%, making essential therapies more accessible. To further support healthcare affordability, 37 more medicines and 13 new patient assistance programs will also be fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty, specifically when these medicines are supplied free of cost to patients.

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These measures are aimed at easing the financial burden on patients and improving access to essential healthcare treatments.