GST Reforms Boost Healthcare Access and Affordability: Aster DM Healthcare Welcomes Key Tax Cuts

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder & Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare

“The recent decisions by the GST Council, particularly the exemption of individual health and life insurance from GST, and the reduction on essential drugs, signal a positive pivot for India’s healthcare affordability.  The GST reductions on essential and life-saving medicines are a commendable step towards patient-centric healthcare. By removing or lowering taxes on critical drugs, especially those used in cancer and rare disease treatments, the government has directly lightened the financial burden on patients and their families. 

The removal of GST on health and life insurance will also immediately reduce the financial burden on citizens seeking healthcare protection, strengthening affordability. This is a landmark step forward in making preventive health coverage more accessible. Meanwhile, the reduction in GST on cement from 28% to 18% will have a meaningful impact on the health infrastructure development. This could lower building costs and accelerate hospital expansions and infrastructure projects, indirectly supporting faster enhancement of care delivery.

Together, these initiatives foster long-term growth in healthcare reach and capability. Aster DM Healthcare welcomes these reforms as they align with our vision of expanding accessible, affordable, and comprehensive care across India. We commend the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, for introducing these transformative reforms that strengthen the foundation of healthcare delivery.”