Bengaluru Rural MP seeks customs duty exemption on imported immunotherapy drugs, radiotherapy equipment for cancer treatment

Bengaluru Rural MP and cardiologist C.N. Manjunath has sought exemption of customs duty on all imported immunotherapy drugs and radiotherapy equipment, which are now an integral part of advanced cancer treatment.

Dr. Manjunath, who met Finance Minister Nirmala Seetharaman on Wednesday in Delhi, submitted a requisition seeking the exemption as most of the immunotherapy drugs and radiotherapy equipment are currently imported. “They are essential for treating various forms of cancer, often in combination with chemotherapy. The cost of immunotherapy treatment is extremely high, ranging from ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh per patient per treatment cycle,” he said.

“Cancer, once considered an extraordinary disorder in India, has now grown to be a substantial public health problem. Change in lifestyle, food adulteration and various other factors have largely contributed to the increase in cancer cases. What is worse is the treatment of cancer has become a costly affair,” he said. 

Presently, the Government of India has exempted customs duty on most of the drugs used for chemotherapy. However, immunotherapy drugs and radiotherapy equipment, which are used in the procedures do not get the same exemption. Consequently a large number of cancer patients, especially from economically weaker sections, are unable to access this potentially life saving therapy, he said.

“I requested the Finance Minister for exemption of customs duty on all imported immunotherapy drugs and radiotherapy equipment. This will help in making cancer treatment affordable, benefiting a large section of people belonging to the economically weaker section. The Minister responded positively,” Dr. Manjunath added.