GST Rationalization: A Step Towards Affordable Healthcare for All
GST Rationalization: A Step Towards Affordable Healthcare for All
The Government of India has announced a series of far-reaching GST rationalization measures to promote a health-positive tax regime. These reforms aim to discourage harmful consumption, lower the cost of medicines and medical devices, encourage preventive healthcare, and boost insurance coverage. The reforms strongly align with national initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Poshan Abhiyaan and the Fit India Movement, while supporting the vision of “Affordable Healthcare for All.”
Sharing the development, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi tweeted, “The Union Government had prepared a detailed proposal for broad-based GST rate rationalisation and process reforms, aimed at ease of living for the common man and strengthening the economy.”
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During my Independence Day Speech, I had spoken about our intention to bring the Next-Generation reforms in GST.
The Union Government had prepared a detailed proposal for broad-based GST rate rationalisation and process reforms, aimed at ease of living for the common man and…
Union Health Minister, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda also welcomed the reform, stating that “Reduced tax rates on several essential products will enhance ease of living, help families manage costs, and bring relief to different sectors.”
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Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, the Union Government has announced the Next-Gen GST reforms to support ongoing growth and development.
Reduced tax rates on several essential products will enhance ease of living, help families manage costs, and… pic.twitter.com/5Jg7NeRo3a
Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that “these reforms have a multi-sectoral and multi-thematic focus, aimed at ensuring ease of living for all citizens and ease of doing business for all.”
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Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi announced the Next-Generation GST Reforms in his Independence Day address from the ramparts of Red Fort.
Working on the same principle, the GST Council has approved significant reforms today.
These reforms have a multi-sectoral and… pic.twitter.com/NzvvVScKCF
Healthcare services provided by doctors, hospitals, and diagnostic centres are already exempt under the current GST regime. Building upon this, the following key reforms have been approved:
Relief on Medicines and Pharmaceuticals
Reduction on Medical Devices & Equipment
Vision Care
Insurance Coverage
Essential Nutrition and Holistic Health
Fitness and Preventive Health
No Concessions for Sin Goods: In line with the government’s strong commitment to fighting non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer, no tax cuts have been proposed on goods widely recognized as harmful, including tobacco products, pan masala, and sugary drinks.
The GST rationalization package reflects a balanced, citizen-centric approach to taxation. By lowering the burden on medicines, medical devices, nutrition, and insurance, while discouraging harmful consumption, the Government has taken a major step towards making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and preventive in nature.
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MV