Experts have hailed the GST Council’s decision to reduce tax rates on essential cancer medications, describing it as a vital step toward making life-saving drugs more affordable and accessible for patients.
In a significant move for cancer patients across India, the GST Council, during its 54th meeting held in New Delhi on Monday evening, announced a reduction in GST rates from 12 percent to 5 percent on key cancer drugs, including Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab.
“This decision represents a critical step toward making life-saving treatments more affordable for those fighting cancer,” said Dr. Pritam Kataria, Consultant in Medical Oncology at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, speaking to IANS. “With the rising incidence of cancers, this is a welcome move that will also increase patients’ confidence in the treatment system,” he added.
Cancer treatment can often be prohibitively expensive due to the prolonged duration of therapy and the high cost of drugs, especially when imported treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy are required.
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“The reduction in GST will enable more patients in India to access standard care. With new treatments reducing the side effects of therapy and enhancing patient responses, this change will ultimately improve patient outcomes,” Dr. Kataria noted.
The three drugs benefiting from the reduced GST rates include Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, used for breast cancer; Osimertinib, a lung cancer drug for EGFR mutation; and Durvalumab, used for lung and biliary tract cancers. Additionally, Deruxtecan can be used in all cancers with a Her2-positive gene.
The government had already exempted these three cancer drugs from customs duty in the Union Budget 2024-25.
“We welcome the GST Council’s decision to reduce the GST on cancer drugs to 5 percent. With the growing burden of chronic diseases in India, this is a positive step toward making life-saving drugs more accessible and improving health outcomes,” said Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance.
Dr. Ashish Gupta, Medical Oncologist and Chief of Medical Oncology at Unique Hospital Cancer Centre in New Delhi, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This much-needed GST cut can also improve access to advanced cancer treatments, reduce the financial burden on patients and their families, and potentially improve treatment outcomes by allowing more patients to benefit from these drugs.”
