New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- In a move aimed to provide relief to patients battling severe chronic ailments, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced the expansion of the list of lifesaving drugs and medicines fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD) in the Union Budget 2025-26.

This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on patients suffering from cancer, rare diseases, and other critical health conditions.

As part of this measure, the government has added 36 more lifesaving drugs and medicines to the fully exempted category.

These include advanced treatments for cancer, genetic disorders, and immune-related conditions, making them more affordable for patients in need.

Additionally, six more lifesaving medi...