Union Budget 2026 brings health relief as the government exempts customs duty on 17 essential medicines and extends import duty benefits to seven more rare diseases.
FM Sitharaman Announces Duty Waiver on 17 Life-Saving Medicines in Budget 2026
Union Budget 2026: In a move that could ease the financial burden of medical expenses on thousands of families, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced major customs duty exemptions on life-saving medicines while presenting the Budget.
Healthcare costs, especially for critical illnesses like cancer and rare diseases, 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.
In the Union Budget 2026, 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.
The Finance Minister said, "To provide relief to patients, particularly those suffering from cancer, I propose to exempt basic customs duty on 17 drugs or medicines. I propose also to add 7 more rare diseases for the purposes of exempting import duties on personal import of drugs, medicines and food for special medical purposes used in their treatment."
Cancer treatment is long, expensive, and emotionally draining. Many advanced medicines are imported, which makes them costly due to taxes and duties. By removing basic customs duty on 17 medicines, the government aims to lower treatment expenses and improve access to essential drugs 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.
This decision reflects the government’s broader focus on making healthcare more accessible and affordable. For many families battling serious illnesses, even a small reduction in medicine costs can make a significant difference.
Beyond numbers and policy language, this announcement brings hope that treatment becomes less about affordability and more about recovery.
