The Union Government has denied any increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on essential or lifesaving drugs since April 2025, countering public concerns and media reports about price hikes for critical medications.
In a written response to an unstarred question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra, the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, clarified that the GST Council has not approved any upward revision in tax slabs for drug-related Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) during this period.
The query sought details on which lifesaving drugs had been moved to higher GST categories, what the resulting per-unit retail price increase was, and whether any anti-profiteering audits or penalties had been initiated. The government’s reply firmly stated that none of these issues arise, as no reclassification or GST hike has occurred.
“The GST rates and exemptions are prescribed on the recommendations of the GST Council, a constitutional body comprising members from the Union and State/UT governments. There has been no upward revision in GST rates for any drugs or medicines since April 2025,” the minister stated.
The clarification comes amid rising concerns over affordability and accessibility of essential medicines in the country, especially for patients relying on high-cost treatments.
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