Reduce GST on medicines, urges All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is also the Chairperson of the GST Council, to lower the GST on all medicines. The organisation has demanded that all medicines be placed under the 5 per cent GST category.

AIOCD Punjab general secretary Surinder Duggal welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement about simplifying the GST system made on Independence Day. He said chemists are the most important link in the healthcare system, directly serving 140 crore people. Rising medicine prices affect ordinary patients the most, he added.

He said essential medicines, which are controlled under government price rules (DPCO), should not face extra tax. He also said that medicines for cancer, kidney and heart disease, chronic or rare illnesses, and blood-based treatments should be placed under zero percent GST, meaning no tax at all.

“Medicines are not luxury items, they are life-saving,” he added. He also urged that there should be no tax increase on ayurvedic medicines, especially with the 12 per cent GST slab possibly being removed. He said that painkillers and vitamin supplements should be affordable, as they help people stay healthy and prevent bigger health problems.

AIOCD leaders said they are hopeful that the government will reduce GST on medicines in the upcoming council meeting. They said this move will bring direct relief to lakhs of patients and show that the government puts humanity before profit and compassion before commerce.