India’s bold tax maneuvers on cancer drugs and tobacco are set to revolutionize public health, according to a compelling new study from AIIMS oncologists. Exempting life-saving medications from GST while hiking tobacco levies to 40 percent promises affordability in treatment and vigor in prevention.
At the core, the 56th GST Council meet in September freed 33 drugs from duties, targeting cancer and rare disease therapies that once bore 5-12 percent GST. Coupled with budget cuts on customs duties for 17 cancer meds, patients stand to save substantially on out-of-pocket spends.
‘This directly alleviates financial pressures on the vulnerable,’ affirmed Dr. Abhishek Shankar of AIIMS Radiation Oncology. He praised the parallel tax cuts on medical gear.
The tobacco escalation, the highest GST rate applied to any good since February 1, targets the prime preventable cancer culprit—responsible for 15 percent of cases worldwide, as per WHO and IARC data ahead of World Cancer Day.
Benefits outlined in the study include boosted life expectancy, slashed medical bills, reduced premature mortality, safeguarded households from ruinous costs, and poverty alleviation. Dr. Shankar highlighted, ‘Such taxation curbs intake, fortifies cessation programs, and reallocates funds to health infrastructure.’
Beyond India, these policies could guide similar economies burdened by disease. Dr. Shankar concluded, ‘Timely delivery of these gains is vital, but they signal a holistic vision: aiding cures, fostering wellness, and advancing cancer equity.’ This dual-pronged strategy heralds a healthier future.