Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has unveiled a significant relief measure for cancer patients in the federal budget, proposing the complete removal of customs duty on raw materials used in the local manufacturing of cancer medicines.
While presenting the budget in the National Assembly, the finance minister stated that the government remains committed to improving access to quality healthcare and making essential medicines more affordable for the public.
The proposed exemption is expected to reduce production costs for locally manufactured cancer drugs, potentially lowering prices and easing financial pressure on patients across the country.
Under the National Tariff Policy 2025-30, customs duty on more than 100 types of raw materials used in the manufacturing of cancer and other life-saving medicines will be abolished.
Aurangzeb said cancer places a heavy financial and emotional burden on patients and their families, making it essential for the government to take practical steps to reduce treatment costs.
The move is expected to lower production costs for pharmaceutical companies, which could lead to a reduction in the prices of cancer medicines and other drugs used to treat serious diseases.
The government believes that encouraging local manufacturing will reduce reliance on imports, strengthen the pharmaceutical sector and improve access to affordable treatment for patients across the country, he said.
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