Drugs cheaper, relief to breast cancer patients

BREAST cancer patients stand to save up to ₹10,000 in monthly medical expenses following the Union budget’s decision to remove basic customs duty on 17 high-cost cancer drugs, including three widely used in breast cancer treatment.

- UNNIKRISHNAN S @T’puram

The exemption covers Ribociclib, Abemaciclib, and Palbociclib—targeted medicines that slow the growth of cancer cells.

“These breast cancer drugs have become more accessible to middle-class patients after the duty cuts,” said Dr Aju Mathew, consultant oncologist and public health researcher. With these medicines typically prescribed for a three-year period, a monthly saving of ₹5,000-₹10,000 translates into a substantial reduction in overall treatment costs.