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Treatment of cancer and other complex diseases will be more affordable in the country as the government has proposed expanding duty and tax exemptions on the import of raw materials used in the production of all types of medicines, including cancer drugs.
Financial Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed revealed the information while unveiling the budget for FY2025-26 in a televised speech on Monday, .
This move is expected to lower the consumer-level prices of life-saving medicines.
"To strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical industry and ensure life-saving drugs are available at affordable prices for the people, I propose expanding the facility of duty and tax exemptions on the import of raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)," said the adviser.
He said to improve healthcare services in the country, the budget proposes reducing import duties and taxes on medical equipment and devices used in referral hospitals and hospitals with more than 50 beds.
This initiative is expected to pave the way for reaching advanced healthcare services to divisional and district levels across Bangladesh, he added.