The Union Budget’s decision to remove import duty on 17 key cancer drugs is a deeply humane and welcome step that goes beyond just economics. For thousands of patients and their families fighting this terrible disease, this move is a real lifeline. It directly tackles one of the biggest problems in cancer care: the sky-high cost of imported medicines. This will make treatment more affordable and save families from financial disaster. In places like Jammu & Kashmir, where cancer treatment can cost lakhs of rupees, this relief is especially important. Patients and their loved ones often face impossible choices between continuing life-saving treatment and facing complete financial ruin. Stories of people selling their land, using up all their savings, or having to stop their medicine halfway are sadly very common. This duty cut will ease that heavy burden, letting patients focus on getting better instead of worrying about money. While this is an excellent and compassionate decision, it also reminds us of the need for a complete national plan to fight cancer. Making treatment accessible is about more than just drug prices. We need better cancer hospitals in smaller cities, wider coverage under health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat, making sure these medicines are actually available in pharmacies, and better systems for early detection and supportive care. A full plan must look at the entire journey of a patient, from preventing and finding cancer early, to treating it, and supporting survivors afterwards. This government decision shows policy-making that listens and cares. It understands that public health is a matter of basic fairness and that helping patients in distress is a key job of the state. This initiative deserves our full support and should be the starting point for creating a fairer, more patient-focused cancer care system in India. Let this relief be the first of many steps to ensure that no Indian family is ever forced to choose between health and financial survival.
The month of Dhul Hijjah is nearing. For many Muslims, Ramadan gets all the attention. But Dhul Hijjah is just as special. In fact, the first ten days of this month are the best...
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