New Delhi, Feb 1: In a significant push for medical tourism, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced exemptions on basic customs duty for 36 life-saving drugs while presenting the Union Budget 2025 in Parliament on Saturday.
“Basic customs duty exempted for 36 life-saving drugs, while six life-saving drugs will have five per cent customs duty. This will provide relief to patients, particularly those suffering from cancer, rare diseases, and other severe chronic diseases,” said said Sitharaman.
The Finance Minister waived off customs duty on medicines provided through the Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). The move is expected to expand access to essential drugs for those in financial distress. In addition, around 13 more patient assistance programs have also been added to benefit underprivileged patients.
Apart from this, Sitharaman also announced a ‘Heal in India’ campaign, which will be carried out in partnership with the private sector, and simplified the visa procedures for patients seeking treatment in India to boost medical tourism in the country.
India's medical tourism industry is valued at approximately $9 billion, ranking 10th on the Global Medical Tourism Index. The sector has witnessed substantial growth, driven in part by the increasing popularity of the AYUSH system, which includes Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
To support this growth, the government introduced medical visa provisions in 2023, making it easier for international tourists to access healthcare and wellness treatments in the country. Additionally, during the Union Budget announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed plans to add 10,000 more medical college seats and establish daycare cancer centers in all district hospitals.
