74 Critical Drugs Could Become Costlier As Govt Withdraws Duty Exemption

06 February, New Delhi

The Union Government has withdrawn duty exemption on import of 74 drugs, including some of those used for treating cancer and HIV.

Although the move is being seen as an attempt to encourage domestic manufacturing, it could also lead to a sharp rise in prices of these medicines.The Central Board of Excise and Customs has issued a notification, withdrawing duty exemption on these drugs.

The medicines on which customs duty will now be imposed include the ones used for treating kidney stones, cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy, life-threatening heart rhythm disorders, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, bone diseases, antibiotic to treat infections.

The medicines which will now attract duty include the ones used for treating kidney stones, cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy, life-threatening heart rhythm disorders, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, bone diseases, antibiotic to treat infections.Besides, drugs used for bacterial infections, leukemia, anesthetic medication, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus cells, allergies, arthritis, lupus and ulcerative colitis might also see spurt in prices.

Also drugs used in blood dilating medicine or for treating menopause, glaucoma, anogenital warts, poisoning by a chemical or pesticide, growth failure in children and adults who lack natural growth hormone would also attract customs duty.