Union Budget 2026-27 has brought significant relief for cancer patients and their families across India. Among the key healthcare announcements, the government has exempted basic customs duty on 17 critical cancer drugs and medicines, many of which are used in advanced and targeted therapies.

Cancer treatment is often long, complex, and expensive, especially when it involves imported medicines. For many patients, the cost of drugs becomes one of the biggest barriers to timely and effective treatment.

By removing customs duty on these medicines, the government aims to reduce treatment costs, improve access to cutting-edge therapies, and support patients battling life-threatening illnesses.

The exemption covers a range of drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer, lung cancer, blood cancer, prostate cancer, and other aggressive or rare forms of cancer.

Most of these medicines are part of modern oncology care, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and cell-based treatments.
This announcement reflects a broader push in Budget 2026-27 to strengthen healthcare affordability and ease the financial burden on patients who depend on imported life-saving drugs.

WHAT DOES THE CUSTOMS DUTY EXEMPTION MEAN?

Customs duty is a tax levied on goods imported into India. When such duties are removed on medicines, it directly lowers their landed cost. In simple terms, patients may now get these drugs at a lower price, as importers and hospitals will no longer have to pay basic customs duty on them.

BUDGET 2026 PUTS CANCER CARE, MENTAL HEALTH AT THE CENTRE OF INDIA’S HEALTH AGENDA

For cancer patients who often require prolonged treatment, even a small reduction in drug prices can make a meaningful difference over time.

FULL LIST OF 17 CANCER DRUGS EXEMPTED IN BUDGET 2026-27

The following 17 drugs and medicines have been added to the customs duty exemption list:

1. Ribociclib

2. Abemaciclib

3. Talycabtagene autoleucel

4. Tremelimumab

5. Venetoclax

6. Ceritinib

7. Brigatinib

8. Darolutamide

9. Toripalimab

10. Serplulimab

11. Tislelizumab

12. Inotuzumab ozogamicin

13. Ponatinib

14. Ibrutinib

15. Dabrafenib

16. Trametinib

17. Ipilimumab

These medicines are widely used in advanced cancer care, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy protocols.

The exemption of basic customs duty on these 17 cancer drugs sends a strong signal about the government’s intent to prioritise healthcare affordability.

While the overall cost of cancer treatment remains high, this step is seen as a positive move towards reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

Experts believe that such measures, combined with wider health insurance coverage and domestic drug manufacturing, can gradually improve cancer care accessibility in India.

As Budget 2026-27 unfolds, this announcement stands out as a meaningful intervention for thousands of families facing the emotional and financial challenges of cancer treatment.

– Ends

Published By:

Smarica Pant

Published On:

Feb 1, 2026