NEW DELHI: The Centre on Saturday decided to waive basic customs duty on Covid vaccines, oxygen and oxygen-related equipment for three months to boost availability amid the worsening coronavirus crisis in India.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on measures to increase oxygen supply.
"The PM emphasised that there was an immediate need to augment the supply of medical grade oxygen as well as equipment requried for patient care both at home and in hospitals", said a statement released by governmnet.
He stressed that all ministries and departments need to work in synergy to increase availability of oxygen and medical supplies.
The statement said the decision was taken to augment production and availability of oxygen and related equipment amid a spiraling demand in the country.
During the meeting, PM Modi directed the revenue department to ensure seamless and quick custom clearance of such equipment.
