Northeast Desk, 10th September: Following Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement of a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on cancer drugs from 12% to 5%, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed their appreciation for the decision.
Taking to social media platform X, CM Sarma praised the move, highlighting its benefits for patients and its potential to enhance investments in cancer care. “We are extremely grateful to Hon’ble Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the entire GST Council for their decision to reduce GST on cancer drugs…,” Sarma wrote.
Meghalaya CM Sangma also lauded the decision, stating that the reduced cost of cancer treatment would significantly ease the financial burden on the common man. He expressed gratitude to FM Sitharaman for addressing the issue during the GST Council’s 54th meeting on September 9.
In addition to lowering GST on cancer drugs, Sitharaman also announced a reduction in the tax rate on namkeen from 18% to 12%, and hinted at further discussions on reducing GST for medical health insurance in the Council’s next meeting in November.