As part of the Central Government of India’s broader plan to enhance the affordability and accessibility of healthcare in India in 2024, Nirmala Sitharaman put a special focus on cancer treatment in her Union Budget 2024-25 speech.
In her Budget speech in the Parliament on 23rd July, Sitharaman stated, "To alleviate the burden on cancer patients, I propose a complete exemption of three additional medicines from customs duties."
These medicines are Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab. Here’s an insight into what these medicines are, how they work, their cost, and how patients can access them in India.
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan is an antibody-drug conjugate used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It combines trastuzumab, an antibody that targets the HER2 protein on cancer cells, with deruxtecan, a chemotherapy drug. This combination allows for targeted delivery of the chemotherapy drug to cancer cells, minimising damage to healthy cells.
The NCI states that HER2-positive breast cancer is the most common subtype of breast cancer. Before the exemption, Trastuzumab Deruxtecan was quite expensive, with costs ranging between ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh per dose.
Patients can access Trastuzumab Deruxtecan through oncologists at specialised cancer treatment centres and hospitals. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if this medication is suitable for a patient's specific condition.
Osimertinib
Osimertinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with specific genetic mutations (EGFR mutations). According to the NCI, it works by blocking the activity of the EGFR protein, which helps stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
The American Cancer Society states that of all lung cancers, around 80-85% are NSCLC. Osimertinib is another high-cost cancer medication, with prices previously around ₹1.8 to ₹2 lakh per month.
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Osimertinib is available at major cancer hospitals and treatment centres across India. Patients should undergo genetic testing to confirm the presence of EGFR mutations and consult their oncologist to determine if Osimertinib is the appropriate treatment.
Durvalumab
Durvalumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor, which as per NCI, is used to treat endometrial cancer, biliary tract cancer, Hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer), small cell lung cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. It works by blocking the PD-L1 protein, which helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
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Before the exemption, the cost of Durvalumab was around ₹2.5 lakh per infusion. Durvalumab can be obtained at oncology centres and hospitals specialising in cancer treatment. Patients should discuss with their oncologist to understand if Durvalumab is suitable for their specific type of cancer and treatment plan.
Takeaway
The exemption of basic customs duty on Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab marks a significant step towards making cancer treatment more affordable in India. By reducing the cost of these critical medications, the government aims to improve access to life-saving treatments for cancer patients. If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, consult with your healthcare provider to understand if these medicines are appropriate for your treatment plan and how to access them.
How To Access Cancer Medication?
For more information on accessing these medicines and understanding your treatment options, consider reaching out to cancer support groups, helplines, or consulting with specialised oncologists at reputable medical institutions. The fight against cancer is challenging, but with the right support and treatment, patients can hope for better outcomes.