logo
Major cancer drugs could become cheaper as India considers import duty waiver

Major cancer drugs could become cheaper as India considers import duty waiver

First Post11-07-2025
The documents show that blockbuster cancer drugs like pembrolizumab (brand Keytruda), osimertinib (brand Tagrisso), and trastuzumab deruxtecan (brand Enhertu), used to treat lung and breast cancer, will be fully exempted from customs duty read more
India will likely slash the prices of medicines used to treat critical conditions like HIV Aids and cancer as a government panel has recommended waiving off some customs duties on high-impact drugs.
News18 has accessed a document of the proposed cuts in prices that are expected to provide relief to patients with cancer and other chronic diseases. The central government has constituted an interdepartmental committee that has suggested customs duty exemptions and concessions for high-impact medical imports.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Established in August 2024 by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the panel is headed by Joint Drug Controller R. Chandrashekar and includes representatives from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Department of Pharmaceuticals, and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Its goal is to make life-saving treatments, such as those for cancer, rare diseases, organ transplants, and advanced diagnostics, much more affordable for Indian patients.
More from Health
US faces worst measles outbreak in decades amid falling vaccination rates under Trump
Which drugs will get cheaper?
The documents show that blockbuster cancer drugs like pembrolizumab (brand Keytruda), osimertinib (brand Tagrisso), and trastuzumab deruxtecan (brand Enhertu), used to treat lung and breast cancer, will be fully exempted from customs duty.
These medicines often cost up to lakhs per dose and have remained inaccessible to patients due to the high import burden.
Apart from cancer drugs, the committee has also proposed making several other medicines cheaper, including transplant drugs, critical care medicines, and advanced diagnostic kits that are slapped with heavy import duties and have no equivalent in the Indian market.
A second category of essential but widely available drugs has been proposed for a reduced import duty of 5 per cent. This list includes hydroxyurea, used to treat cancer and sickle cell anaemia, and low molecular weight heparin, marketed as Enoxaparin, which is commonly used to prevent and treat blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.
Therapies also included
Along with life-saving drugs, the document also mentions price cuts for medical therapies to treat rare diseases. Customs duty exemptions might be applied on a group of therapies used to treat conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis, Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, lysosomal storage disorders, and hereditary enzyme deficiencies.
Many of these therapies, such as gene-based and enzyme replacement treatments, rank among the most expensive drugs globally, with single courses costing several crores. Notable rare disease drugs on the list include Zolgensma, Spinraza, Evrysdi, Cerezyme, and Takhzyro. These medications are extremely costly and largely beyond the reach of most Indian patients.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

City doctor delivers talk at top European conference
City doctor delivers talk at top European conference

Time of India

time21 minutes ago

  • Time of India

City doctor delivers talk at top European conference

Vadodara: Dr Yash Banker, CEO of Vadodara-based Bankers Group of Hospitals, was the sole Indian speaker at the recently held HLTH Europe 2025 conference in Amsterdam. At HLTH Europe, Dr Banker delivered a talk titled "Pioneering Healthcare Entrepreneurship and Innovation in an Emerging Market". He highlighted how India's localized innovations can effectively address global healthcare challenges, emphasizing the potential for the "Indian model" of healthcare — focused on accessibility, affordability, and ingenuity — to serve as a blueprint for global healthcare delivery. "India is no longer the land of snake charmers or diseases; it has transformed into a global hub for innovation and sophisticated healthcare. Our unique solutions, born from a deep understanding of diverse needs, offer a sustainable and scalable model for global healthcare. The Indian model truly holds immense promise for worldwide application."

'Equipment For Sale': Gaza Journalist Offers To Sell Press Shield To Feed His Starving Family
'Equipment For Sale': Gaza Journalist Offers To Sell Press Shield To Feed His Starving Family

News18

timean hour ago

  • News18

'Equipment For Sale': Gaza Journalist Offers To Sell Press Shield To Feed His Starving Family

Last Updated: Gaza-based photojournalist Mohammed Abo Oun offered his camera equipment and press shield to feed his family as the enclave faces an acute hunger crisis due to Israel's offensive. As the talks for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war reached another roadblock, a Gaza-based photojournalist's plea to sell his equipment to buy food for his starving family has cast the spotlight on the growing humanitarian crisis and hunger in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Israel has come under mounting international outrage over severe shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies in wake of its devastating offensive in retaliation for the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The humanitarian crisis is now affecting aid workers and journalists as well. In a LinkedIn post, journalist Mohammed Abo Oun has offered his camera equipment and press shield to buy food for himself and his family. His post has ignited global attention, reflecting a growing desperation among Gaza's population, who are staring at a devastating food scarcity. 'I am the photojournalist Mohammed Abu Aoun from Gaza, I want to offer my equipment and the press shield for sale so that I can buy food for me and my family," he said. Abo Aoun has contributed to major international media outlets, including The New York Times, Sky News, and ABC News. Gaza Facing Imminent Famine The United Nations and NGOs are warning of an imminent famine in the Gaza Strip – a designation based on strict criteria and scientific evidence. 'A large proportion of the population of Gaza is starving", according to the World Health Organisation's chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Malnutrition-related deaths have surged this month, with even humanitarian workers struggling to obtain basic food supplies. Israel imposed a total blockade on the entry of aid into Gaza on March 2 after talks to extend a ceasefire broke down. It began to allow a trickle of aid to enter again in late May, but many groups warned that these steps are not enough to prevent the acute scarcity Gaza faces. Humanitarian organisations have also accused the Israeli army of imposing excessive restrictions on the goods allowed into Gaza and on the routes made available to transport the aid to distribution points. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks Furthermore, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to abandon Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Hamas on Friday, both saying it had become clear that the Palestinian militants did not want a deal. 'Hamas really didn't want to make a deal. I think they want to die. And it's very bad. And it got to be to a point where you're going to have to finish the job," Trump said, while Netanyahu said Israel was considering 'alternative" options to bring its hostages from Gaza. 'Trump's remarks are particularly surprising, especially as they come at a time when progress had been made on some of the negotiation files," Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told AFP. (with inputs from agencies) Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : gaza crisis Israel Hamas Location : Jerusalem, Israel First Published: July 26, 2025, 23:08 IST

Kargil Vijay Diwas: Honouring courage beyond the mountains
Kargil Vijay Diwas: Honouring courage beyond the mountains

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Kargil Vijay Diwas: Honouring courage beyond the mountains

Dr (Prof) Sadhana Kala is a USA-trained robotic & laparoscopic surgeon, Uppsala University, Sweden, trained fertility specialist, and 'National Icon Endoscopic Surgeon' of India. University topper and winner of several gold and silver medals and Certificates of Honor and the unique 'Distinction' in medicine in medical college, she is the youngest-ever Professor in any medical college anywhere, and the only-ever gynec Hon Consultant to the Army, Navy and Air Force. FORMER: President Family Welfare Foundation of India (now closed) one of the few UN -accredited NGO since 1997; Member of Central Consumer Protection Council, Government of India, the apex national advisory body on consumer affairs; Advisor, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India; Member, Advisory Committee, MTNL (Delhi). Awardee of C L Jhaveri and P N Behl Awards of Indian Medical Association for professional excellence. Chief emeritus and currently Sr Consultant gynecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, Moolchan Medcity and Apollo Cradle Hospitals, New Delhi. She is a published-writer on varied topics. Facebook: Twitter: She also writes at Air Vice Marshal Prakash Kala is an experimental test pilot and is the co-writer of the blog. LESS ... MORE Introduction: A day etched in valor Every year on July 26, India solemnly observes Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating the valor and sacrifice of the armed forces who secured a decisive victory during the Kargil War of 1999. Set against the daunting terrain of the Himalayas, the war was not merely a battle for territory but a defining moment of national resilience, military strategy, and unity. Twenty-six years later, the legacy of Kargil continues to inspire generations. The prelude: Betrayal at high altitudes The seeds of the Kargil conflict were sown in deceit. Under the guise of regular winter troop withdrawals along the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated Indian territory, occupying strategic posts in the Kargil sector of Jammu & Kashmir. These positions, often located at altitudes of 16,000–18,000 feet, overlooked the vital National Highway 1A, which connects Srinagar to Leh, posing a significant threat to India's military and logistical infrastructure in the region. The intrusions were initially discovered by local shepherds, triggering a series of escalations that quickly transformed into full-scale conflict. Operation Vijay: A response of steeled resolve India's response to the invasion was swift and strategic. The government launched 'Operation Vijay' on May 26, 1999, to flush out infiltrators and reclaim the occupied territories. What followed was a gruelling 60-day war, characterized by intense artillery exchanges, high-altitude assaults, and immense human cost. Indian soldiers, drawn from regiments across the country—Gorkhas, Rajputs, Sikhs, Grenadiers, and others—scaled near-vertical cliffs under enemy fire, often in sub-zero temperatures, to retake peaks like Tiger Hill, Tololing, and Point 4875. By July 26, the Indian Army had successfully cleared most of the positions, forcing Pakistan to withdraw and accept a return to the status quo ante. Human cost: A heavy price for victory India lost over 500 soldiers during the conflict. These were not just soldiers, but sons, brothers, fathers, and friends—each with a life and story interrupted. Names like Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Anuj Nayyar, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar became symbols of gallantry. Captain Batra's famous war cry, 'Yeh dil maange more!' resonated across the nation and became emblematic of India's fighting spirit. Awarded the Param Vir Chakra, his actions at Point 4875 are still recounted with reverence. Their sacrifices transformed a generation's understanding of patriotism—not as flag-waving nationalism, but as quiet courage in the face of mortal danger. Beyond the battlefield: Lessons in policy and perception The Kargil War had broader implications than just military success. It reshaped India's defense policies, intelligence coordination, and international diplomacy. Intelligence revamp: The initial infiltration went undetected by Indian intelligence agencies, exposing serious lapses. This led to the reorganization of intelligence frameworks, the strengthening of the Technical Intelligence (TECHINT) apparatus, and the development of more integrated surveillance mechanisms. Defense modernization: The war highlighted the importance of high-altitude warfare readiness. India began investing in modern artillery, UAVs, satellite imaging, and improved equipment for soldiers stationed in challenging terrain. Diplomatic wins: Unlike in past conflicts, India took the high road diplomatically. Then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee secured broad international support, particularly from the United States, which pressured Pakistan to withdraw. This isolated Pakistan diplomatically and exposed the façade of the non-state actor used to justify the intrusion. Media and memory: Kargil in public consciousness Kargil was India's first televised war. Channels like Doordarshan and NDTV brought real-time coverage from the frontlines into Indian homes. Images of young officers giving interviews before heading into battle, and the funerals of martyred soldiers, etched themselves into the national psyche. Films like 'LOC: Kargil', 'Lakshya', and 'Shershaah' further immortalized these stories, not as propaganda, but as poignant reminders of bravery. Music, too, played a role—songs like 'Sandese Aate Hain' are still played on Kargil Diwas, invoking teary-eyed recollection. Commemorations: Remembering with purpose Across the country, Kargil Vijay Diwas is marked with ceremonies, marches, and tributes. The Kargil War Memorial in Dras, built in the shadow of the recaptured peaks, becomes a focal point. Thousands—veterans, families of martyrs, schoolchildren, and ordinary citizens—gather there to pay homage. Kargil Wall Memorial, Dras In Delhi and other cities, events are organized by the Indian Army, the Air Force, and civil society organizations. Speeches, poetry, and photo exhibitions recall the cost of freedom and the commitment to its defense. The significance today: More than just history In an age dominated by geopolitical uncertainty, the legacy of Kargil holds enduring relevance: National unity: At a time when divisions often dominate discourse, the memory of Kargil unites India—across religion, region, and ideology. At a time when divisions often dominate discourse, the memory of Kargil unites India—across religion, region, and ideology. Civil-military bond: It reminds civilians of the sacrifices made to uphold national sovereignty, and bolsters respect for those who serve. It reminds civilians of the sacrifices made to uphold national sovereignty, and bolsters respect for those who serve. Preparedness: With threats along both western and northern borders evolving, Kargil is a case study in asymmetric warfare, terrain-based strategy, and the importance of inter-agency coordination. Personal stories: From grief to grit Behind every gallantry award lies a family shaped by loss—and pride. Mothers like Kamla Batra (mother of Captain Vikram Batra) became voices of resilience, turning personal grief into national pride. In villages across India, schools, roads, and stadiums have been named after martyrs. Their legacies continue in cadets joining the armed forces, inspired not only by uniforms but also by the purpose. Conclusion: A nation forever indebted Kargil Vijay Diwas is more than a commemoration—it is a vow renewed each year. A vow to never forget the soldiers who fought where few dared to climb. A vow to uphold the integrity of a nation they defended with their lives. And a vow to ensure that courage, when remembered, becomes the seed of more courage. As India stands tall today on the global stage—economically, diplomatically, and militarily—the shadow of those peaks remains behind us. Not as a burden, but as a silent salute to the few who gave their all so that many could live free. Let every July 26 remind us: Freedom is not free. But some paid for it in full. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store