Impact of GST on Healthcare
The goods and services tax significantly covers the country’s economic core and peripheral areas. India is not only one of the top-performing countries for generic drugs but also experiencing a surge in medical tourism, which generates additional revenue for the healthcare sector. India’s pharmaceutical industry currently ranks third in volume and fourteenth in esteem.
As the population continues to rise, so makes the demand for high-quality healthcare services, which increases the need for hiring more competent workers to address existing gaps in the workforce and provide patients with government facilities and innovations.
Effects of GST on Healthcare
GST replaced numerous other taxes and tariffs, benefited most industries, and streamlined the tax system. The Indian healthcare sector is currently one of the largest in employment and revenue. Tax revenues increase in parallel with healthcare expenditures.
The complicated tax system in the nation is consolidated under the GST into a single, unified tax system. GST would benefit the healthcare industry, especially the pharmaceutical industry. Since the Pharmaceutical Industry was previously subject to eight different types of taxes, it would benefit the industries by simplifying the tax structure.
All taxes should be combined into a single, consistent tax to streamline corporate operations in the nation and reduce the negative consequences of many taxes being levied on the same item.
Additionally, the GST would increase operational effectiveness by streamlining the supply chain, which may boost the pharmaceutical business by 2%. GST would aid pharmaceutical companies in streamlining their supply chain; the businesses would need to examine their distribution networks and strategy.
Furthermore, the introduction of GST would make it possible for tax credits to flow smoothly, enhance overall compliance, and level the playing field for pharmaceutical businesses operating in the nation. The companies’ main benefit from the removal of CST would be the decrease in overall transaction costs (Central Sales Tax). GST could reduce the cost of production.
The GST also lowers the overall cost of technology, which is another advantage. Previously, the technical equipment and gear that the healthcare sector imported into the nation were quite expensive. Additionally, the assessed duty is not eligible for a tax credit under the former tax laws.
GST, however, could alter this scenario. The levy imposed on importing such machinery and equipment would be recognised as a credit under the GST.
GST Rates for Hospital Rooms
| Room Rent | Applicable GST |
| Below ₹1,000 | 0% |
| Between ₹1,000 to ₹2,499 | 12% |
| Between ₹2,500 to ₹7,499 | 18% |
| Above ₹7,500 | 28% |
GST Rates for Healthcare Products
Health care products have ingrained themselves into our daily lives as the majority of people cope with a variety of medical conditions. And the reason for this is our busy daily schedule. Therefore, purchasing health care products has become essential for maintaining your fitness, and as a buyer of health care products, you must be aware of the applicable GST.
| Product | Applicable GST |
| Contraceptives | 0% |
| Human blood | 0% |
| Insulin | 5% |
| Animal or human blood vaccines | 5% |
| Hepatitis diagnostic kits | 5% |
| Desferrioxamine deferiprone or injection | 5% |
| Oral rehydration salts | 5% |
| Cyclosporin | 5% |
| Medicines | 5% |
| Ayurvedic medicines, Anaesthetics, Sterile suture, Potassium Iodate, Iodine, Steam, Medicinal grade hydrogen peroxide, Glands, and other organs for organo-therapeutic use, Homoeopathic Siddha or biochemical systems medicaments | 12% |
| Surgical products | 12% |
| Disinfectants, Tampons | 18% |
| Wheelchairs | 18% |
| Hot water bags | 28% |
| Wing scale | 28% |
GST Exemption on Healthcare Services
A few services on the list of medical services subject to the GST are exempt from the tax.
Stem cell storage services are offered by cord blood banks, as well as any other services related to such preservation.
- A veterinary hospital’s services for the treatment of animals or birds.
- Ambulance-related services are provided to the victim by a third party.
- Procedures and treatments like plastic surgery.
- Medications and drugs used during therapy and hospital services, including accommodation, food, nursing, etc.
- Services related to finding blood banks.
- Treatment provided by Yoga centres.
- Treatment provided to dogs.
Conclusion
Industry experts are confident that GST will benefit customers and industry participants. The introduction of the GST would benefit the healthcare sector since it would reduce the complexity and different barriers to the expansion of business. The healthcare industry, which includes medical tourism, is on the path to increased profitability and future growth. Busy accounting software can help you ease the complete process of GST.
