Thrissur: With the GST tax revision effective from Monday, 36 life-saving medicines, including 13 cancer drugs and 11 medicines for genetic disorders, have become tax-free. Of these, tax on 33 medicines has been reduced from 12% to zero, while three others have gone from 5% to zero.

The reduction in tax will reflect in the maximum retail price (MRP) fixed by states, ensuring benefits for consumers. The Drugs Control Department has confirmed that this will lead to a minimum price reduction of ₹25,000 in certain cases.

The list includes not only cancer and genetic disorder drugs but also three medicines each for cardiac ailments and neurology issues, along with one drug each for diagnostic use, hereditary angioedema and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

For example, a leading brand of Asciminib, used in treating blood cancer, currently priced at over ₹2,40,000, will see a major reduction. Taxes on several other drugs have been capped at a maximum of 5%.

The Chamber of Pharma Entrepreneurs has assured that the benefit of this tax waiver will be passed on to consumers. State president K Sinil and general secretary Shibu Kurian said they would cooperate with all necessary measures.

Medicines already in stock that were taxed will also have to be sold at revised prices. Retailers will be reimbursed in future transactions for the tax already paid. This system will apply wherever GST is in place. Minor difficulties may arise only in a few outlets still following the compounding system.

Complaints can be filed

To ensure medicines are sold at reduced rates, all inspectors have been instructed to monitor sales. Special attention will be given in Ernakulam, where most wholesalers and agencies operate. Complaints regarding shortages or price anomalies can be filed at the district or state level, or by contacting dckerala@gmail.com or the toll-free number 8004253182, according to State Drugs Controller Dr K Sujith Kumar.