• Source:JND
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GST 2.0: In a move that promises to make essential medicines more affordable for patients across India, the GST Council has approved significant tax cuts on a range of critical drugs. Starting September 22, the price of 33 lifesaving medications will drop as they now attract zero GST, down from the earlier rate of 12 percent. Three other high-cost drugs used in treating cancer and rare diseases will also become tax-free, offering major relief to families battling chronic illnesses.

In what could be a game-changer for affordable healthcare, the GST Council led by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved sweeping tax reforms aimed at reducing the cost of essential goods, especially in health and household sectors. “The Goods and Services Tax (GST) overhaul, which comes into effect from September 22, is a significant shift aimed at stimulating growth through consumption-led strategies, especially as indirect taxes are regressive in nature,” a report said on Friday.

What this means in real terms is that dozens of high-cost drugs, including those used to treat cancer, rare genetic disorders, and other life-threatening conditions, will now become significantly more affordable. For families who’ve been spending lakhs on treatment, this could offer real financial breathing room.

The GST Council has also announced that three critical drugs, previously taxed at 5 per cent , will now carry zero tax, further easing the pressure on patients with serious conditions.

ALSO READ: GST Reforms: Centre Will Keep Vigil To Ensure Tax Cuts Benefits Passed Fully To Consumers, Says Piyush Goyal

Notably, the changes will kick in on September 22, aligning with the start of Navratri, a festival that marks new beginnings and prosperity for many Indian households.

ALSO READ: Why GST Reforms Was The Need Of The Hour | Jagran Opinion

GST 2.O Revamp: List Of 33 Lifesaving Drugs That Will Now Be Tax-Free

Here’s the full list of medicines that will now attract zero GST, as per the Press Information Bureau (PIB):

- Agalsidase Beta

- Imiglucerase

- Eptacog alfa (activated recombinant coagulation factor VIIa)

- Onasemnogene abeparvovec

- Asciminib

- Mepolizumab

- Pegylated Liposomal Irinotecan

- Daratumumab (including subcutaneous)

- Teclistamab

- Amivantamab

- Alectinib

- Risdiplam

- Obinutuzumab

- Polatuzumab vedotin

- Entrectinib

- Atezolizumab

- Spesolimab

- Velaglucerase Alpha

- Agalsidase Alfa

- Rurioctocog Alpha Pegol

- Idursulphatase

- Alglucosidase Alfa

- Laronidase

- Olipudase Alfa

- Tepotinib

- Avelumab

- Emicizumab

- Belumosudil

- Miglustat

- Velmanase Alfa

- Alirocumab

- Evolocumab

- Cystamine Bitartrate

- CI-Inhibitor injection

- Inclisiran