Transforming cancer care in India - Steps in the right direction

Cancer remains a formidable public health challenge, with the financial burden of treatment placing many families under severe economic distress, particularly in low-to middle-income countries like India.Recognizing this, the Indian Union Budget for 2024-2025 introduced customs duty exemptions and GST reduction (from 12% to 5%) on three high-impact cancer drugs: trastuzumab deruxtecan (TDxd), osimertinib, and durvalumab.This policy change marks a critical step toward making life-saving therapies more accessible and affordable, potentially significantly improving patient outcomes.