New Delhi: The Union Budget 2025 was announced on Saturday at 11 am at Parliament House by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. As the government proposed to ensure maximum coverage of various sectors, the health sector was not overlooked either. For cancer patients and patients of rare diseases, the government proposed to exempt 36 more drugs from taxation and customs duty. Cancer centres will also be set up in district hospitals amid many other reforms for the sector. Citing this, leaders from across the health industry celebrated the proposed reforms for patients with cancer and other chronic diseases.
Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said, “The Finance Minister’s proposal to establish daycare centers across India, either by upgrading civil hospitals or peripheral health centers to provide chemotherapy, is a significant and commendable step. I sincerely congratulate the government on this initiative. From my experience working with charitable organizations and helping develop a chemotherapy daycare center at a Gurdwara, I can confidently say that this will greatly benefit cancer patients across the country.”
“Cancer statistics indicate that head and neck cancers (including oral and throat cancer), breast cancer, and gynecological cancers account for nearly 70% of the cancer burden in India. For the majority of these cases, first-line chemotherapy can be effectively administered at well-equipped daycare centers with proper training and support. This approach will help manage a substantial portion of the country’s cancer load. However, patients with hematological malignancies, pediatric cancers, or recurrent cancers require specialized facilities with advanced backup support. These cases should continue to be treated in dedicated cancer care centers. Overall, enabling daycare centers to administer first-line chemotherapy is a major step forward in expanding accessible cancer care. I once again commend the government for this progressive initiative,” Dr Singh added.
Dr D S Rana, Chairman -of the Trust Board, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, “Broadband connectivity at the primary healthcare level is an excellent step in providing treatment and diagnosis to the poor at the doorsteps of villagers. Adding 10000 medical seats is also a welcome step to bridge the gap in trained medical professionals. Also, the establishment of Cancer Day Care Centres at the primary healthcare level will prove to be a paradigm shift in cancer treatment of villagers and rural cancer patients.”
Mr. Abhay Soi, President of NATHEALTH & Chairman Managing Director of Max Healthcare, said, “The budget for 2025-26 heralds a significant milestone for the healthcare sector with its central theme around PPP and ease of doing business as well as underlining the strong partnership role of private sector required to make healthcare a foundational pillar of Viksit Bharat. NATHEALTH welcomes the many priority areas announced in this budget for the healthcare sector by Hon FM – medical education expansion, Heal in India launch, 100 percent FDI in insurance, broadening PMJAY to Gig economy, enhanced ease of doing business, affordable cancer care and broadband connectivity in powering the primary care centers to bridge the urban-rural digital divide. NATHEALTH thanks the Government of India for supporting a number of its core sectorial suggestions and looks forward to a trusted partnership in implementing these as foundational pillars ushering our Hon PM’s vision of health for all.”
Mr. Behram Khodaiji, CEO, of Ruby Hall Clinic, on the Union Budget 2025, said, “The Union Budget 2025 introduces commendable measures to strengthen India’s healthcare system, particularly in cancer care and affordability of life-saving treatments. The plan to set up daycare cancer centers in district hospitals and 200 dedicated cancer hospitals by 2026 will decentralize care, reducing the burden on metropolitan hospitals and making critical treatments more accessible. However, ensuring these centers are well-equipped with skilled professionals and advanced technology will be key to their success.”
“The exemption of basic customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs and concessional rates on six more is a crucial step in reducing treatment costs for patients battling cancer, rare diseases, and chronic illnesses. Additionally, waiving customs duty on medicines provided through patient assistance programs is a progressive move, expanding access to essential drugs for those in financial distress. With 37 new medicines and 13 more patient assistance programs added, this initiative will significantly benefit underprivileged patients. However, it is vital to ensure transparency and efficiency in the implementation of these programs so that the support reaches those who need it most,” Mr Khodaiji added.
FM Sitharaman in her Union Budget 2025 speech announced thar 36 drugs for cancer and rare diseases will also be exempted from custom duty. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
