Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday presented the first Union Budget of Modi 3.0 government. In a major relief for patients undergoing cancer treatment, the government has exempted basic customs duty on three cancer medicines. Besides, FM Sitharaman announced it will roll out plans to encourage cervical cancer vaccination for girls.
Sitharaman also said modifications will be made to the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors used in medical X-ray machines. The move will boost the domestic production capabilities.
“To provide relief to cancer patients, I propose to fully exempt three more medicines from customs duties. I also propose changes in the BCD on x-ray tubes & flat panel detectors for use in medical x-ray machines,” she said in her budget speech.
To ensure early childhood care and improved nutrition delivery, the finance minister announced the expedited implementation of Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 schemes. The health cover under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be extended to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers.
The government has also allocated Rs 2,143 crore for PLI for the pharmaceutical industry.
These initiatives are integral to the government's broad strategy aimed at enhancing healthcare affordability and accessibility. The government said it will focus on fostering local manufacturing and innovation within the medical sector.
The government has allocated Rs 89,287 crore for the development, maintenance, and improvement of the country’s healthcare system, which is slightly higher than the Rs 88,956 crore allocated in FY24.