Initiatives by the Government for treatment of rare diseases

Source: The post is based on the article “Initiatives by the Government for treatment of rare diseases” published in PIB on 29th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has informed Lok Sabha about the initiatives taken by the Government of India for the treatment of rare diseases.

What are the initiatives taken by the Government for the treatment of rare diseases?

National Policy for Rare Diseases,2021

PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals: Department of Pharmaceuticals has initiated the implementation of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Pharmaceuticals. The scheme provides financial incentives to manufacturers selected under the Scheme for domestic manufacturing of various product categories, which also include Orphan drugs.

Full waiver of tax for Spinal Muscular Atrophy(SMA): Ministry of Finance gives full waiver of Basic Customs Duty(BCD) and Integrated Goods and Services Tax(IGST) to drugs imported (personal use only) for treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy(SMA) rare disease thereby making the medicines for SMA rare disease more affordable.

The Ministry of Finance has given exemption from Basic Customs Duty to drugs or medicines, which are used in the treatment of Rare Diseases when imported by Centres of Excellence(CoEs) as specified in NPRD, 2021 or any person or institution on the recommendation of any Centre of Excellence.