Hyderabad: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has welcomed the GST Council’s decision to reduce tax on several life-saving medicines, including cancer drugs. In a statement, the association described it as a commendable move that would make treatment more affordable for lakhs of patients across the country.
IMA said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening public health and supporting people battling severe illnesses.
GST cut on cancer and critical drugs
As part of tax reforms, the Centre has moved to lower GST on several essential and life-saving medicines. Tax on cancer drugs and other critical medicines is proposed to be reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent, while some may be brought down to zero. The step is meant to reduce the financial strain of expensive treatments on patients and their families.
The government is also considering exempting drugs used for rare diseases from GST altogether.
IMA urges wider exemption on medicines and health costs
While appreciating the step, IMA appealed for further measures to reduce healthcare costs. It urged complete GST exemption on chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs, as well as on medicines for diabetes, hypertension, cardiac ailments, kidney diseases and asthma.
IMA also recommended a reduction in GST on medical equipment, saying it would lower operational costs for hospitals and clinics, thereby cutting treatment expenses. The IMA has urged the government to remove GST on hospital beds to bring down the cost of hospitalisation. It also sought GST exemption on health insurance premiums to ease the financial burden on families and promote wider coverage.
