The Union Budget 2025 prioritizes healthcare accessibility, affordability, and infrastructure to ensure a healthier India. Key reforms include tax exemptions on life-saving drugs, expansion of healthcare facilities, and financial support for medical advancements.
Key Announcements
1. Customs Duty Exemptions on Life-Saving Medicines
- 36 additional life-saving drugs are now fully exempt from Basic Customs Duty (BCD).
- 6 more essential medicines to be taxed at a concessional 5% duty rate.
- Bulk drugs used in the manufacture of these specified medicines will also receive duty exemptions.
2. Expansion of Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
- Pharmaceutical companies offering free medicines under PAPs will be fully exempt from BCD.
- 37 more medicines and 13 additional patient assistance programs added to the exemption list.
3. Daycare Cancer Centers in District Hospitals
- The government will set up daycare cancer centers in all district hospitals within three years.
- In 2025-26 alone, 200 new cancer centers will be established to improve cancer care accessibility.
4. Strengthening Medical Education & Healthcare Workforce
- 10,000 additional medical seats will be added in medical colleges and hospitals next year.
- The government targets 75,000 more medical seats over the next five years to address doctor shortages.
5. National Gene Bank for Food & Nutritional Security
- A second National Gene Bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines will be set up for future food security and conservation of genetic resources.
Impact of These Reforms
1. More Affordable Healthcare
- Tax exemptions on life-saving drugs will make essential treatments more accessible.
- Lower medication costs will reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
2. Enhanced Cancer Care Infrastructure
- Decentralized cancer care through district-level daycare centers will reduce the burden on tertiary hospitals.
- Early diagnosis and timely treatment will improve survival rates.
3. Expansion of Medical Education
- Increasing the number of medical seats will address the doctor-patient ratio gap.
- More trained healthcare professionals will be available in rural and underserved areas.
4. Food Security & Nutritional Research
- The establishment of a National Gene Bank ensures long-term food and nutrition security.
- Support for public and private research institutions will improve agricultural sustainability.
