Health Crisis Alert: Budget Threatens to Drastically Increase Medical Treatment Costs, Threatening Lives & Patient Care

The government has withdrawn exemptions for diagnostic kits, all cardiology-related products (stents, angiography etc), and dialysis equipment in the recent budget. GST exemptions have been removed from the Sixth Schedule and from Sr No 112/120, which pertain to the health sector. Consequently, the cost of all Cardiac Related devices and diagnostic purchases will rise by a minimum of 25-30 percent, possibly more. Additionally, exemptions for all charitable institutions have been revoked, resulting in a 30-40 percent increase in expenses for hospitals and charitable labs. Charitable hospitals have limited budgets, and this increase in government taxation would mean they will be able to treat 30 percent less patients.

The cost of diabetes home test strips and lab tests for common infections, thalassaemia, cancer, hepatitis, dengue, and blood bank services will rise tremendously and this ultimately to all Health Sectors.

This decision is highly detrimental to hospitals and the healthcare industry.