In a poll, conducted by LocalCircles, a citizen engagement platform announced that citizens want Government of India to continue with the customs duty exemptions provided on life saving drugs.

Citizens were asked about the reconsideration for the decision taken on exemption of the waived 22% customs duty on imported cancer and life saving drugs (including drugs made in SEZs). Citizens unanimously supported the reconsideration of the decision taken by the Government. Out of the 18,000 citizens polled in this survey, 81% citizens voted for reconsideration of the exemption.

Recently, Central Board of Excise and Customs issued a notification withdrawing exemption of basic customs duty on 74 life savings drugs. These drugs are used for treatment of diseases like Cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy, HIV, Heart rhythm disorders, Diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Bone diseases, etc. The withdrawal of this exemption will make these drugs expensive.

“Though many of the cancer and HIV drugs on which exemptions have been withdrawn have generic versions in the market, there will be a price impact on both imported and indigenously produced drugs of 10-25% and put an extra burden on patients”, said Biocon chairperson and MD Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. “It is good to see that citizens are taking the time to understand the matter and submitting their collective view to the Government for reconsideration”, continued Shaw.