New Delhi, Feb 1: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the government will facilitate setting up of day care cancer centres in all district hospitals in the next 3 years.
Presenting Union Budget 2025, Sitharaman said, “200 Centres will be established in 2025-26.”
To provide relief to patients, particularly those suffering from cancer, rare diseases, and other severe chronic illnesses, Sitharaman also proposed adding 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines to the list of those fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD).
Additionally, six lifesaving medicines will be added to the list attracting a concessional customs duty of 5%. Full exemption and concessional duty will also apply, respectively, to bulk drugs used for manufacturing these medicines.
The Budget also specifies that drugs and medicines supplied under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies will be fully exempt from BCD, provided they are distributed free of cost to patients. It proposes adding 37 more medicines and introducing 13 new patient assistance programmes.
“Investment is the third engine of development, encompassing investing in people, investing in the economy, and investing in innovation,” Finance minister said.
The Budget further highlights that 10,000 additional seats will be added in medical colleges and hospitals in the next year, contributing to the goal of adding 75,000 seats over the next five years.
“Medical tourism and the ‘Heal in India’ initiative will be promoted in partnership with the private sector, along with capacity building and easier visa norms,” Sitharaman said.
UNI
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