The Government announced plans to waive customs duty on 17 cancer drugs and seven rare disease medications to alleviate treatment costs. Additionally, a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is set to be established in North India to enhance mental healthcare services. Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed these initiatives during the presentation of the ninth Union Budget 2026 in Parliament.
Sitharaman highlighted the importance of reducing treatment expenses by exempting basic customs duty on essential drugs and medicines. She also mentioned expanding duty exemptions for personal imports of drugs and foods for special medical needs related to cancer care. The proposal aims to provide financial relief to patients requiring specialized therapies for rare diseases.
Furthermore, the government expressed its commitment to mental health by proposing the establishment of NIMHANS 2 in North India. Currently located in Bengaluru, NIMHANS is a prominent center for psychiatric care and neuroscience research in India. The government also plans to enhance the National Mental Health Institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur to address the shortage of mental health facilities in North India.
In addition to mental health initiatives, the government aims to boost emergency and trauma care facilities in district hospitals. Sitharaman proposed strengthening capacities by 50% to establish emergency care centers, particularly benefiting rural areas. The government also introduced two schemes, Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana, to provide dignified livelihood opportunities for Divyangjan individuals.
The Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana focuses on offering industry-relevant training tailored to each Divyang group to ensure dignified livelihood opportunities. Meanwhile, the Divyang Sahara Yojana aims to enhance the production of assistive devices through the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO). These schemes will support PM Divyasha Kendras and the establishment of Assistive Technology Marts to provide modern retail-style assistive devices.
