Cancer drugs, kidney dialysis, diapers to be cheaper

The cost to treat complex health conditions like cancer, buy everyday commodities or your child’s stationery will fall when the proposed budget is implemented. The proposals in the 2014-2015 fiscal year (FY)’s budget will reset prices of locally manufactured drugs, cancer drugs, infusion pumps for treating Thalassemia, Ayurvedic medicines, kidney dialysis solutions and diapers. All these necessary items will cost lesser in the next FY. Birth control products are also on the list. Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith wants VAT imposed on 40 basic raw materials used for making medicines to be cut down by 10 to 25 percent and 5 pc rebate be placed instead. He also proposed that 14 types of raw ingredients, used to manufacture drugs used to treat cancer, not be taxed at all. All the budget proposals, in all likelihood, are going to have an easy sail in Parliament because of the absolute majority the ruling Awami League enjoys and the friendly Opposition, according to a news agency.