A rural deputy Bengalur and CN CN Manjunath was looking for an exception of customs duties for all imported immunotherapeutic drugs and radiotherapeutic equipment, which are now an integral part of advanced cancer treatment.
Dr. Manjunath, who met the Minister of Finance Nirmala Seetharaman on Wednesday, has submitted an exemption application because most immunotherapeutic drugs and radiotherapeutic equipment are currently imported. “They are essential for the treatment of various forms of cancer, often in combination with chemotherapy. Immunotherapy costs are extremely high, from 20 Lakh to 50 lakh per patient for the treatment cycle,” he said.
“Cancer, which was once considered an extraordinary disorder in India, has now become a significant problem in public health. Changing in lifestyle, falsification of food and various other factors has largely contributed to the increase in cancer cases.
The Indian government has currently liberated a customs duty to most drugs used for chemotherapy. However, immunotherapeutic drugs and radiotherapeutic equipment that are used in procedures do not receive the same liberation. As a result, a large number of cancer patients, especially from economically weaker sections, are unable to gain access to this potentially rescue therapy, he said.
“I asked for the Minister of Finance for the exemption of customs duties for all imported immunotherapy and radiotherapeutic equipment. This will help with affordable cancer treatment, which benefits large parts of people who belong to the economically weaker section. Manjunath.
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Published – August 21, 2025 9:29
