WB CM Mamata Banerjee concerned over customs duty hike on life-saving drugs

KOLKATA: Expressing concern over sudden increase in customs duty on life-saving drugs, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the price rise needs to be addressed urgently.

"I am deeply concerned by the sudden increase in customs duty on life-saving drugs. Price rise needs to be addressed urgently. Medicines for cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's, heart/kidney disorders, women's health can become too expensive for thousands who need them," Banerjee said in a statement.

As many as 74 drugs, including life saving ones used for treating cancer and HIV, would see sharp rise in prices as the government has withdrawn customs duty exemption on their imports.

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) last week issued a notification withdrawing exemption of levy of basic customs duty on as many as 74 drugs.

The medicines on which customs duty would now be imposed include the ones used for treating kidney stones, cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy, life-threatening heart rhythm disorders, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, bone diseases and antibiotics to treat infections.