Customs to clear life-saving drug, oxygen equipment imports on highest priority
PTI, Apr 24, 2021, 12:51 PM IST
New Delhi: The finance ministry”s CBIC has directed its field officers to clear all import consignments, including life-saving drugs and oxygen equipment, used in COVID treatment on the highest priority amid a surge in infections across the country.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said the decision is aimed at ensuring that all such materials and equipment reach the intended beneficiaries within the shortest possible time.
“CBIC has given directions to all its field formations to clear these consignments on the highest priority,” the board said in a tweet.
Considering the scourge of COVID-19 and the surge of cases in the country, it is imperative that the import of critical raw materials, life-saving drugs, etc reach the intended users/beneficiaries in time for an effective fight against the pandemic, CBIC said.
“Hence, it is requested that all customs formations may be sensitized of the urgency of this matter and may be directed to give high priority for customs clearance of import of goods relating to COVID-19 pandemic, including oxygen related equipment, etc,” a communication by CBIC to its customs officers said.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also said in a tweet that in another step towards fighting COVID-19, customs will expedite clearances for import consignments relating to the pandemic to ensure critical equipment and medicine can reach on time.
The government has already waived all customs duty on imported Remdesivir injections and the drug’s active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in order to boost supplies.
India recorded 3,46,786 new infections in a 24-hour period – the highest daily case count in a single country since the virus surfaced in China more than a year ago. Over the past two months, the outbreak in India has exploded, with reports of super spreader gatherings, oxygen shortages, and medicine shortages.
The daily death toll has also climbed to record 2,624.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
HC grants bail to man held for sexually assaulting ‘friend’ at Mumbai beach in 2021
‘No evidence of wrongdoing’: CBI closes UPA-era Air India aircraft leasing
AAP using court for its political drama, repackaging old allegations: BJP
Tribal woman fourth to be killed within two months in wild elephant attacks in Kerala
Rahul Gandhi maintains silence on CAA, says Kerala CM
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Rs 20.14 cr unaccounted cash seized in poll run up in Karnataka
HC grants bail to man held for sexually assaulting ‘friend’ at Mumbai beach in 2021
Congress’s Kolar conundrum remains unsolved despite CM, DCM attempt to quell dissent
Mangaluru: Illegal slaughterhouse raided by police, Three arrested
‘No evidence of wrongdoing’: CBI closes UPA-era Air India aircraft leasing