GST on Cancer Medicines 2025: Which Cancer Drugs Will Become Cheaper in India From September 22?

The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has announced a major relief for cancer patients under GST 2.0 reforms. Starting 22 September 2025, 33 life-saving drugs, including those used in cancer treatment, will attract 0% GST, down from 12%.

Additionally, three critical cancer and rare disease drugs, earlier taxed at 5%, will also be moved to the 0% GST category.

Which Cancer Drugs Will Become Cheaper?

Some of the high-cost cancer medicines that will now be tax-free under GST include:

• Daratumumab - used for multiple myeloma
• Teclistamab - for relapsed or refractory myeloma
• Amivantamab - lung cancer treatment
• Alectinib - for ALK-positive lung cancer
• Polatuzumab vedotin - for lymphoma
• Asciminib - for chronic myeloid leukemia
• Pegylated Liposomal Irinotecan - used in pancreatic cancer

The reduction is expected to save patients and families thousands to lakhs of rupees in treatment costs.

Why Did the GST Council Remove Tax on Cancer Drugs?

The government stated that cancer medicines fall under the life-saving drugs category. High treatment costs have been a barrier for patients, and this tax cut ensures:

Better affordability of cancer care

Reduced financial burden on families

Improved accessibility to advanced therapies

Support for rare disease patients with high-cost drug needs

How Much Will Patients Save on Cancer Treatment?

Previously, patients had to pay 5-12% GST on cancer medicines in addition to already high MRP costs. With 0% GST from September 22, 2025:

A ₹5 lakh therapy will now save around ₹25,000-₹60,000 in GST.

Long-term treatment patients will save lakhs annually.

Insurance coverage will also become more effective as tax costs are removed.

When Will the New GST on Cancer Medicines Take Effect?

The new GST rates on cancer medicines will be effective from 22 September 2025 across India. Patients, hospitals, and pharmacies will no longer charge GST on these life-saving drugs.

From 22 September 2025, cancer patients in India will get a big financial relief as GST on cancer medicines is reduced to 0%. This landmark reform will make life-saving treatments more affordable, accessible, and patient-friendly.