Current Cancer Statistics in India
As of 2023, India has an estimated 1,496,972 cancer cases, reflecting a rise from 1,461,427 cases in 2022. The burden of cancer is significant, with several types of cancer being particularly prevalent:
- Breast Cancer: The most common type of cancer among women globally and in India. In 2022, India recorded the highest number of estimated breast cancer deaths worldwide, with 98,337 fatalities.
- Lung Cancer: A leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, lung cancer remains a major health challenge.
- Cervical Cancer: Another common cancer among women in India, contributing significantly to the cancer burden.
Duty-Free Cancer Drugs
The Union Budget 2024 has exempted customs duties on three critical cancer drugs: Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab. These exemptions are aimed at reducing the cost of cancer treatment and improving access to these life-saving medications.
- Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (Enhertu): Manufactured by Daiichi Sankyo in collaboration with AstraZeneca, this drug is primarily used for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. It targets cancer cells more precisely, offering better outcomes for patients with this aggressive type of breast cancer.
- Osimertinib (Tagrisso): Produced by AstraZeneca, Osimertinib is an essential medication for treating non-small cell lung cancer with specific mutations. It works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and is particularly effective in patients with certain genetic profiles.
- Durvalumab (Imfinzi): Also manufactured by AstraZeneca, Durvalumab is an immunotherapy drug used for treating certain types of lung and bladder cancers. It helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, improving survival rates for patients with advanced stages of these cancers.
Impact of Duty-Free Drugs on Cancer Treatment
The exemption of customs duties on these three cancer drugs is expected to have a significant impact on cancer treatment in India:
- Cost Reduction: By eliminating the 10% customs duty on these drugs, the government aims to make them more affordable for patients. This reduction in cost is crucial for patients who often face financial hardships due to the high expense of cancer treatment.
- Increased Accessibility: Lower prices will likely lead to increased accessibility of these advanced cancer treatments. Patients who previously could not afford these medications may now have the opportunity to benefit from them.
- Improved Outcomes: Access to these drugs can lead to better treatment outcomes, particularly for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, specific types of lung cancer, and advanced bladder cancer. Improved access to effective treatments can enhance survival rates and quality of life for many cancer patients.
Conclusion
The Union Budget 2024’s focus on healthcare, particularly the exemption of customs duties on critical cancer drugs, represents a significant step towards improving cancer treatment in India. With an increasing number of cancer cases and the high cost of treatment, these measures are expected to provide much-needed relief to patients and their families. By making life-saving medications more affordable and accessible, the government aims to enhance the overall healthcare landscape and address the growing burden of cancer in the country.
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