GST Cut on Medicines 2025: Zero Tax on 33 Life-Saving Drugs, Big Relief for Cancer Patients

The central government has announced a major reform in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on medicines, giving direct relief to patients battling serious diseases. In a landmark move, the government has removed GST on 33 life-saving medicines, most of which are used in cancer treatment. Earlier, these medicines were taxed at 12%, significantly increasing treatment costs. Now, with zero GST, patients will be able to buy these critical drugs at much lower prices.

Which Medicines Are Now GST-Free?

The exemption covers several costly medicines used in the treatment of cancer and rare diseases. The list includes:

• Daratumumab (multiple myeloma)

• Alectinib (lung cancer)

• Obinutuzumab (blood cancer)

• Polatuzumab vedotin (lymphoma)

• Entrectinib, Atezolizumab, Tepotinib, Avelumab (solid tumors, bladder, and skin cancers)

• Other advanced medicines like asciminib, mepolizumab, pegylated liposomal irinotecan, agalsidase alpha, alirocumab, evolocumab

These medicines are often prescribed for long-term treatment and cost patients thousands to lakhs of rupees per month. The tax cut will directly reduce this burden.

Tax Reduction on Other Essential Medicines

Apart from cancer drugs, the government has also reduced GST on several everyday medicines:

• Diabetes medicines & insulin

• Blood pressure medicines

• Heart-related drugs

• Testing kits

For these medicines, GST has been reduced from 18% to just 5%, making them significantly more affordable for millions of patients across the country.

Expert Opinion: How Cancer Patients Will Benefit

Dr. Rohit Kapoor, Senior Oncologist at Max Hospital, welcomed the decision.

“Cancer patients often need lifelong treatment, and the monthly cost of medicines can run into lakhs. Removing GST will save them thousands of rupees every month, making treatment more sustainable,” said Dr. Kapoor.

This tax relief is expected to prevent patients from abandoning treatment midway due to financial stress.

A Step Towards Affordable Healthcare

The GST cut is being seen as a pro-people move that will not only ease the financial strain on families but also ensure better access to life-saving drugs. By lowering the cost of cancer, diabetes, and heart medications, the government has taken a significant step towards making healthcare more affordable and inclusive.