Are Life Saving Medicines To Be Included In Lower GST Slabs? FM Sitharaman Speaks Out

With India facing its biggest economic hardship owing to the pandemic, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been firefighting to keep the economy floating with several measures being announced since the outbreak.

In a recent interview with Times of India, the finance minister opened up about a range of issues starting from the completion of four years of GST to issues around life-saving medicines and concentrators being put in the lowest bracket.

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On being asked about bringing the life-saving medicines and concentrators, which are solely required during an emergency under the lowest bracket, the FM stressed that the concessions have to be provided keeping in mind the changing scenario.

The FM explained saying, “The WHO’s protocol can also be evolving. You will have A, B, C medicine at this time. However as we transfer alongside, B is dropped and D is added. Robotically, going by that rule, I have to exempt D, however, I must convey again B (restore charges). The Council must take a name on the way you provide concessions whereas conserving the dynamic nature of the scenario in thoughts.”

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However, Sitharaman didn’t offer much clarity on whether medicines, healthcare gadgets like concentrators, testing kits, and so on, will be put under the lowest bracket going ahead.

FM said the charges are implemented based on the suggestions of the Council, and the request on this will be considered and discussed.

The FM mentioned that one of the feedback to the GST Council “was (on being) heartless. Is the GST Council heartless?” 

Sitharaman told TOI, “Lifesaving medicine had been required even then (earlier than Covid), had been they (the members) heartless? Once you sit there (within the Council), you might be sitting there representing your individuals. The charges at this time are what I’ve inherited primarily based on the choices of the Council (to go for revenue-neutral charges). If you would like a change, we’ll focus on it. That’s the sole approach.”