Budget 2024: These cancer medicines get custom duty exemption – What does this exactly means
July 23, 2024
Union Budget 2024: Exemption from basic customs duty could potentially reduce the price by 10-20 percent, making these treatments more affordable for patients.
Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday tabled the Union Budget 2024-25. Although there was no major scheme announcement for the healthcare sector, the Finance Minister proposed the complete exemption of three cancer medicines from basic customs duty.
The government has proposed to remove the custom duties for these medicines, Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib and Durvalumab, from 10 percent to nil.
Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi highlighted some critical aspects of these life-saving cancer medicines and the impact of custom duty exemption.
What are these drugs used for specifically?
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan: This is an antibody-drug conjugate used primarily to treat HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). It is also being studied for use in other types of cancer, such as gastric cancer.
Osimertinib: This is a targeted therapy used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with specific mutations in the EGFR gene. It is particularly effective against cancers that have developed resistance to earlier generations of EGFR inhibitors.
Durvalumab: This is an immunotherapy drug that works by blocking the PD-L1 protein, helping the immune system to attack cancer cells. It is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer).
How much will the cost come down?
The exact reduction in cost will depend on the current customs duty rates and other associated costs such as import taxes and logistics, Dr. Malhotra explained. According to Dr. Malhotra, exemption from basic customs duty could potentially reduce the price by 10-20 percent, making these treatments more affordable for patients. However, precise figures would require detailed pricing and duty structure analysis, he highlighted.
How commonly are these drugs prescribed?
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan: This is commonly prescribed for patients with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer who have not responded to other treatments. It is relatively new but has shown significant promise in clinical trials.
Osimertinib: This is widely prescribed for patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. It is often used as a first-line treatment and is also prescribed for patients whose cancer has progressed despite other EGFR inhibitors.
Durvalumab: This is commonly used in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer and bladder cancer, particularly after initial treatments have failed. It is also used in combination with other treatments to enhance efficacy.
What are these drugs for and how will removal of customs help?
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan: Used for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.
Osimertinib: Used for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.
Durvalumab: Used for non-small cell lung cancer and bladder cancer.
How will the removal of customs duties help cancer patients?
Exempting these drugs from basic customs duty will lower their import costs, making them more affordable for patients. According to Dr. Malhotra, this can improve access to advanced cancer treatments, reduce the financial burden on patients and their families, and potentially improve treatment outcomes by allowing more patients to benefit from these effective therapies.
[The Financial Express]
