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Key Points

The Indian Medical Association has praised the GST Council's decision to lower taxes on essential and cancer-related medicines. This move is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on families dealing with serious illnesses. While appreciating the step, the IMA has called for complete GST exemption on a wider range of critical drugs and medical equipment. The association also urged the government to address procedural issues in GST registration for medical branches across the country.

Key Points: IMA Welcomes GST Relief on Cancer and Essential Medicines

  • IMA welcomes GST cuts on cancer drugs and essential medicines
  • Urges complete GST exemption on lifesaving drugs like insulin
  • Calls for removal of GST on hospital beds and health insurance
  • Highlights procedural hurdles in GST registration for medical branches
2 min read

Indian Medical Association supports government's GST relief on essential medicines

Indian Medical Association supports GST Council's tax reduction on critical drugs, calls it a major step towards affordable healthcare for millions of patients.

"The reduction in GST on critical drugs reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure - Indian Medical Association"

New Delhi, August 25

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has welcomed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council's decision to reduce GST on several cancer-related and other essential medicines, calling it an essential move to make healthcare more affordable for millions of patients across India. The association expressed its gratitude to the Council and the Government of India in a press release.

IMA further highlighted that medical equipment is a crucial part of healthcare delivery, and lowering GST rates on such equipment would bring down operational costs for hospitals and clinics. "This would make treatment more affordable for patients while reducing the strain on healthcare providers," the IMA noted.

According to the release, the decision is expected to ease the financial burden on families struggling with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, and serious infections. "The reduction in GST on critical drugs reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure and supporting those battling serious medical conditions," the association said.

However, while acknowledging the positive step, the IMA urged the government to go further. It appealed for a complete GST exemption on a wide range of lifesaving and essential medicines. This includes anti-cancer drugs used in chemotherapy and immunotherapy, antidiabetic drugs like insulin, as well as cardiac medicines, antihypertensives, and treatments for chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. The association also highlighted the need for exemptions on drugs used in rare conditions like hemophilia and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Another issue raised by the association was the procedural hurdles faced by its state and local branches in securing GST and TAN registrations due to nomenclature-related issues. It urged the Council to address these concerns to streamline compliance processes across the country.

The IMA also strongly recommended that GST on hospital beds be removed, pointing out that beds are a basic healthcare necessity and not a luxury item. Additionally, the association called for exemption of GST on health insurance premiums, saying this would encourage more people to adopt health insurance and reduce the financial stress on families during medical emergencies.

Reiterating its appreciation, the IMA said it remains hopeful that the GST Council will consider these additional demands in the interest of public health. "We extend our sincere thanks to the GST Council for its responsive and patient-centric approach," the statement concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good step but why stop at reduction? Essential medicines should be completely GST-free. Healthcare is a right, not a luxury. The government should listen to IMA's full recommendations.
D
David E
As someone working in healthcare administration, I can confirm that GST on medical equipment significantly increases operational costs. This relief will help hospitals serve more patients affordably.
A
Anjali F
The GST exemption on health insurance premiums is much needed! So many middle-class families avoid insurance because of the additional costs. This would be a game-changer for healthcare accessibility.
S
Suresh O
Hope the government addresses the procedural issues mentioned. Getting GST registration for our small clinic was a nightmare due to documentation problems. Simplification is necessary at ground level.
M
Michael C
While I appreciate this move, I hope the savings are actually passed on to patients. Sometimes these tax benefits don't translate to lower prices at the pharmacy counter. Needs proper monitoring.
K
Kavya N
Excellent decision! Now please include diabetes medicines in the complete exemption list. Insulin is a life-saving drug for millions of Indians and should be tax-free. 💙

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