+
 
For the best experience, open
m.thewire.in
on your mobile browser or Download our App.
You are reading an older article which was published on
Jun 12, 2021

GST Council Cuts Tax on COVID-19 Medicines and Equipment

Tax on several COVID-19 treatment requirements has been brought down to 5%.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Photo: PTI

New Delhi: The GST Council on Saturday slashed the tax rate on COVID-19 medicines such as Remdesivir, and equipment like oxygen concentrators and medical grade oxygen.

While GST on Tocilizumab and Amphotericin B is slashed to nil from 5%, the rate on Remdesivir and anti-coagulants like Heparin is lowered from 12% to 5%.

Tax on medical grade oxygen, oxygen concentrators, ventilators, BiPAP machines and high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) devices has been cut to 5% from 12%, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. Tax on COVID testing kits has also been brought down from 12% to 5%.

Pulse oximeters, hand sanitisers, temperature check equipment and ambulances too will attract lower 5% tax, she said.

(PTI)

Make a contribution to Independent Journalism
facebook twitter