Members said the body has recommended zero tax on insulin, oral anti-diabetic drugs, antihypertensives, cardiac medicines, and treatments for chronic kidney disease, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, asthma, and COPD. The association also called for exemptions on intravenous immunoglobulin and drugs for blood-related conditions such as haemophilia and myelodysplastic syndromes.
The GST Council is expected to take up the matter in its upcoming deliberations. If approved, the reduction could lower the cost of several life-saving medicines that have seen steep price increases in recent years, offering much-needed relief to patients and families struggling with long-term treatment expenses.
The revisions under discussion include slashing tax rates on critical drugs from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, with certain medicines for rare diseases being considered for full exemption.
“The council seemed affirmative. We are hopeful that the government will consider our proposal as these drugs help treat a large number of non-communicable disorders rampant in the Indian population. Reduction in their cost would provide great relief in out-of-pocket expenditure for patients,” Dr. Bhanushali added.
Meanwhile, the association welcomed the government’s move to reduce GST on cancer drugs. “It will ease the financial burden on patients undergoing high-cost therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy,” Dr. Bhanushali said.