Government exempts customs duty, health cess on essential medical goods

In view of the growing demand for ventilators, face masks & surgical masks, PPEs and covid test kits, the central government today decided to grant exemptions from basic customs duty and health cess on the import of these goods.

This was done considering the escalating demand for medical goods as India enters a crucial phase in its covid-fight. As of now, the country has recorded 5,865 confirmed cases and 169 deaths as various state governments has urged the centre to extend the nation-wide lockdown.

The health ministry stressed on the rational use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers treating coronavirus patients amid concerns over their dwindling numbers in the country.

India has temporarily licensed the export of paracetamol and anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in appropriate quantities to some countries, which have been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The centre has also constituted high-level teams which will coordinate with states on containment plan, hospital preparedness and ventilator management.