The government has decided to withdraw customs duty exemptions on 74 foreign drugs, which could lead to a sharp rise in their cost, PTI reported on Sunday. Some of these drugs include life-saving ones that are used in the treatment of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and heart rhythm disorders, among others. The Central Board of Excise and Customs issued a notification to this effect last week.

According to PTI’s report, other drugs that could see a price rise are those used to treat leukaemia, HIV, allergies, arthritis and Hepatitis B. Experts said the withdrawal of the exemption is an effort to boost and protect the domestic pharmaceutical industry and create interest for the government’s Make In India initiative.