Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced exemption from customs duty on three more cancer medicines while presenting the Union Budget 2024. It is being told that its purpose is to reduce the burden of treatment on patients. It is being claimed that this is a positive step towards reducing the burden of expensive treatment of cancer patients.
These three cancer medicines became cheaper
The three cancer drugs exempted from customs duty include trastuzumab deruxtecan, osimertinib and durvalumab. Trastuzumab deruxtecan is an antibody-drug conjugate primarily used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. Similarly, osimertinib is used to treat lung cancer (NSCLC). Talking about durvalumab, it is an immunotherapy drug. All three are very useful drugs.
The burden of cancer treatment will be reduced
Exempting these drugs from basic customs duty will reduce their import cost, making them more affordable for patients and may reduce the financial burden on patients and their families. During the Interim Budget 2024 in February, Sitharaman also announced expanding healthcare coverage to ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and helpers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Sitharaman also encouraged girls aged 9 to 14 in India to get vaccinated against cervical cancer.
How to protect yourself from getting cancer, know from the doctor
These forms of cancer are extremely dangerous
Cancer is a very dangerous and life-threatening disease. Cancer occurs when cancer cells start spreading uncontrollably in any part of the body. Over time, these cells affect the functioning of other organs and dangerous infections keep increasing in them. There are different types of cancer such as breast cancer, mouth cancer, brain cancer, liver cancer, blood cancer, uterine cancer (cervical cancer) etc. Cancer is treatable and for this it is important to identify its symptoms at the right time.
Whatever be the type of cancer, these symptoms start appearing
- Unusual lumps or swelling: Experiencing an abnormal lump or swelling in any part of the body.
- Abnormal bleeding or discharge: Abnormal bleeding with urine, stool, cough, or menstruation.
- Sudden weight loss: Rapid weight loss for no apparent reason.
- Persistent cough or difficulty breathing: Prolonged cough or difficulty in breathing.
- Tiredness: Constant feeling of fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason.
- Fever or night sweats: Persistent fever without any reason or excessive sweating at night.
- Change in eating habits: Loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, or stomach pain.
- Skin changes: Spots on the skin, changes in size or shape, or skin sores that do not heal.
- Change in stool or urine patterns: Persistent constipation, diarrhea, or blood in the urine.
Millions of people die from cancer every year
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, about 10 million people die from cancer every year. However, many cancer cases can be prevented or controlled with timely detection and treatment. This is why awareness is so important.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.
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