Budget 2025, Feb. 1 -- Pharma stocks experienced a mixed trading session on Saturday following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's declaration of exemptions from basic customs duty (BCD) for 36 essential medications. Additionally, six life-saving drugs will only incur a reduced duty rate.

"I propose to add 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines to the list of medicines fully exempted from BCD. I also propose to add 6 lifesaving medicines to the list attracting concessional customs duty of 5%. Full exemption and concessional duty will also respectively apply on the bulk drugs for manufacture of the above, " said Sitharaman.

Additionally, the FM mentioned that the designated medications and drugs included in the Patient Assistance Programmes...