New Delhi, India | February 1, 2026
In a major relief for cancer patients, the Indian government has fully exempted customs duty on three critical life-saving cancer medicines, a move expected to reduce treatment costs by ₹2–3 lakh per patient.
The announcement was made during Budget 2026 and comes into effect from today, marking a significant step toward making advanced cancer care more affordable and accessible.
💊 Which Cancer Drugs Get Duty Exemption?
The government has removed customs duty on the following high-cost cancer medicines:
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Trastuzumab Deruxtecan – used primarily in breast cancer treatment
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Osimertinib – widely prescribed for lung cancer
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Durvalumab – used in advanced-stage cancers, including pancreatic cancer
These medicines were earlier subject to customs duties of up to 10%, which significantly increased treatment expenses.
💰 How Much Will Patients Save?
According to estimates shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, removing import duties will lower the overall treatment cost for patients by ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh, depending on dosage and duration.
Medical experts say the decision will especially benefit middle- and lower-income families who struggle to afford targeted cancer therapies.
🩺 Relief Also for Cancer Diagnostic Equipment
In addition to medicines, the government has announced duty reductions on critical medical equipment components used in cancer diagnosis.
As per the Department of Pharmaceuticals:
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Customs duty has been reduced on X-ray tube components
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Duty relief extended to digital detector parts used in advanced imaging
This is expected to lower diagnostic costs, enabling earlier and more affordable cancer detection.
🎯 Government’s Objective: Affordable Cancer Care
Officials said the policy aims to ensure that cancer treatment in India is not only clinically advanced but also financially accessible.
The government’s broader health strategy focuses on:
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Reducing dependency on expensive imported medicines
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Supporting patients facing long-term treatment costs
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Strengthening India’s healthcare affordability framework
Health sector analysts have welcomed the move, calling it a “humanitarian and patient-centric decision.”
🏥 Why This Matters
Cancer treatment costs in India often run into several lakhs due to expensive targeted therapies and diagnostics. By removing customs duties on essential drugs and equipment, the government aims to ease financial stress and improve treatment continuity.
Patient advocacy groups have described the move as a lifeline for thousands of families battling cancer.
