India reports 14L cases in 2023; duty cut on 17 drugs rekindles hope

New Delhi: Centre’s decision to waive basic customs duty on 17 essential cancer drugs could improve access to treatment and reduce financial strain on patients and families.

According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data, more than 14 lakh new cancer cases were reported in 2023, with about 100 out of every 1 lakh people diagnosed annually. Doctors say the affordability of medicines remains one of the biggest barriers to timely treatment.

Duty Exemption Seen as Practical Relief

Medical professionals say the impact of the duty waiver will be measured by how quickly price reductions reach patients through hospitals and pharmacies.

Dr. Arun Kumar Giri, Director, Surgical Oncology at Aakash Healthcare, said, “Although the budget announcement is important, it is only when patients feel the difference in their lives that the real difference will be felt. Pharmacies and hospitals are already adjusting prices, and patients are hoping that the benefits will soon reach them.”

He added that cutting prices of life-saving cancer drugs aligns with making cancer care more patient-focused and accessible, and could bring relief to many families managing long treatment cycles.

Link to Patient-Centric Care

Oncologists also connected the move with broader efforts toward personalised and patient-centric treatment.

Dr. Puneet Gupta, Chairman, Oncology Services at Asian Hospital, noted, “This week also marks World Cancer Day, which is observed under the theme ‘United by Unique’ and emphasises the significance of personalised, patient-centric care.”

He said affordability plays a direct role in outcomes. “When patients can access medicines without delay or financial stress, their recovery chances improve significantly. This policy change allows hospitals to plan treatments more effectively and ensures that critical therapies reach those who need them most.”

Dr. Gupta also pointed out that the treatment burden is increasing in rural areas and smaller towns, where insurance coverage remains limited. He said expanding detection and treatment facilities in government hospitals, along with price measures, could help control the disease and reduce mortality.

Part of Wider Healthcare Access Push

Experts say the exemption is one part of a larger healthcare access strategy.

Dr. Jaipalreddy, Consultant, Surgical Oncology at Jupiter Hospital, Pune, said, “The budget announcement is part of a bigger push to strengthen healthcare access in India. Along with these exemptions, investments in regional healthcare hubs and training of caregivers will make cancer care more efficient.”

He added, “Patients will not only get affordable medicines but also better support throughout their treatment journey.”

Impact on Specialised and Imported Therapies

Specialists highlighted that several advanced cancer therapies depend on imported or limited-availability drugs, which were previously priced high due to duties.

Dr. Vineet Malhotra, Head of Urology and Director at VNA Hospital, said, “Certain cancer treatments require imported or rare drugs that were previously very expensive. Reducing import duties makes these therapies affordable and ensures patients receive the right treatment on time. It is a major step in easing both financial and health burdens.”

Possible Spillover Into Insurance Coverage

Doctors also noted that lower drug prices may influence insurance coverage patterns.

Dr. Arun Kumar Giri said the move could support insurers in widening coverage. “With lower drug prices, insurance companies may find it easier to cover treatment costs, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Policyholders who previously had to pay high co-pays for imported or specialty drugs may now benefit from broader coverage and fewer claim rejections.”

He added that this may encourage more patients to seek timely treatment instead of delaying care due to cost concerns.

Outlook

Doctors say the duty waiver alone will not solve all access challenges, but it can reduce a major component of treatment cost. They stress that effective rollout, price transmission at the retail level, and parallel investments in public cancer care infrastructure will determine the long-term benefit for patients.