India's Finance Minister has announced a major healthcare policy change in Union Budget 2026, eliminating customs duty on 17 cancer-related drugs. This significant move is designed to reduce the financial burden on cancer patients and improve access to essential medications.

Healthcare Policy Initiative

The announcement to remove customs duty on cancer-related drugs represents a targeted approach to healthcare affordability. By eliminating these duties, the government aims to make cancer treatment more accessible to patients across various economic segments.

Impact on Cancer Treatment Costs

The removal of customs duty on these 17 specific cancer-related drugs is expected to result in reduced medication costs for patients. This policy change addresses one of the key financial challenges faced by cancer patients and their families during treatment.

Government's Healthcare Focus

This announcement reflects the government's continued emphasis on healthcare sector reforms and making medical treatment more affordable. The specific targeting of cancer-related drugs demonstrates recognition of the high costs associated with cancer treatment and the need for policy intervention to support patients.

The Finance Minister has announced significant proposals in Union Budget 2026 aimed at boosting both domestic aviation manufacturing and defence sector capabilities. The budget includes comprehensive Basic Customs Duty (BCD) exemptions covering aircraft manufacturing components and defence sector repair materials.

Key Budget Proposals

The exemption framework encompasses two critical areas of the aviation sector:

Manufacturing Sector Benefits

The BCD exemption for manufacturing covers a comprehensive range of aircraft categories, specifically targeting components and parts required for:

• Civilian aircraft
• Training aircraft
• Other aircraft categories

Defence Sector Enhancement

The budget extends support to the defence sector through BCD exemption on raw materials specifically used for aircraft repair operations. This measure addresses the specialized requirements of defence aircraft maintenance and repair activities.

Strategic Impact

These dual exemptions represent a comprehensive approach to strengthening India's aviation ecosystem. By eliminating customs duties on both manufacturing components and defence repair materials, the measures could potentially reduce operational costs across the aviation value chain. The proposal aligns with efforts to enhance India's self-reliance in aviation manufacturing while supporting defence preparedness through cost-effective maintenance capabilities.