Cancer Medicines Cheaper: GST Council Cuts Tax on 33 Lifesaving Drugs

Name: Cancer Medicines Cheaper: GST Council Cuts Tax on 33 Lifesaving Drugs
Uploaded: 2025-09-06T17:45:38+05:30
Description: Cancer Medicines Cheaper: GST Council Cuts Tax on 33 Lifesaving Drugs

Anshika Mishra

Cancer Medicines Cheaper: GST Council Cuts Tax on 33 Lifesaving Drugs - Video

Published On 2025-09-06T17:45:38+05:30 | Updated On 6 Sept 2025 5:46 PM IST

Overview

In a significant move aimed at reducing the treatment burden for patients battling cancer and rare genetic disorders, the GST Council has removed the 12% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 33 expensive and life-saving medicines and diagnostic kits- making them completely tax-free, while other essential medicines, including those under Ayurveda, Unani, and Homoeopathy, will now attract a lower GST of 5% instead of 12%.

The rate on spectacles and corrective goggles has been slashed from 28% to 5%, while medical oxygen, thermometers, and surgical instruments will now be taxed at 5% instead of the earlier 12–18%. In addition, the GST on medical, dental, and veterinary devices has been cut from 18% to 5%, significantly reducing costs across a wide spectrum of healthcare services and products.

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:

These 33 Life-Saving Drugs, Including Daratumumab, Alectinib, Obinutuzumab, Now GST-Free, See List

Speakers

Anshika Mishra

Anshika Mishra is a dedicated scholar pursuing a Masters in Biotechnology, driven by a profound passion for exploring the intersection of science and healthcare. Having embarked on this academic journey with a passion to make meaningful contributions to the medical field, Anshika joined Medical Dialogues in 2023 to further delve into the realms of healthcare journalism.