Sat Feb 01 11:29:17 UTC 2025: ## India to Expand Healthcare Access with New Cancer Centers, Increased Medical Seats, and Drug Price Relief
**New Delhi, [Date]** – India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant boost to the nation’s healthcare infrastructure and affordability during the presentation of the Union Budget on Saturday. Key initiatives include the construction of daycare cancer centers in all district hospitals over the next three years, starting with 200 centers in 2025-26.
The government also plans to add 10,000 medical seats in colleges and hospitals next year, with a total of 75,000 additional seats projected over the next five years. To alleviate the financial burden on patients, 36 life-saving drugs will be fully exempted from basic customs duty (BCD), and six more will receive a 5% concessional duty. Bulk drugs used in the manufacture of these medications will also receive similar exemptions. Furthermore, 37 additional medicines and 13 new patient assistance programs will be added to existing initiatives.
The government aims to promote medical tourism under the “Heal in India” program, collaborating with the private sector to improve infrastructure, streamline visa processes, and enhance capacity. Finally, gig workers will gain access to healthcare facilities under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). These measures represent a significant investment in improving healthcare accessibility and affordability across India.
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