The pharmaceutical sector saw positive traction after the GST Council announced a major relief measure by exempting 33 life-saving drugs and medicines from Goods and Services Tax (GST). These drugs, earlier taxed at 12%, will now attract zero GST, directly reducing treatment costs for patients suffering from cancer, rare diseases, and other critical illnesses.

Relief for Patients and Families

The exemption ensures that patients will no longer bear additional tax burdens on essential medicines, lowering overall healthcare expenses. Alongside this move, the Council also announced tax cuts on several other medical essentials:

  • Health & life insurance: Reduced from 18% to nil

  • Medical-grade oxygen: Brought down from 12% to 5%

  • Diagnostic kits & reagents: Reduced from 12% to 5%

  • Glucometers & test strips: Lowered from 12% to 5%

  • Corrective spectacles: Reduced from 12% to 5%

The government emphasized that these reforms are aligned with its broader goal of making healthcare more accessible and affordable across India.

Impact on Pharma Stocks

Several leading pharma companies witnessed investor attention following the announcement. Below are the latest stock updates, as of 9:25 AM:

  • Divi’s Laboratories – ₹6,148.50 (down 0.25%)

  • Cipla – ₹1,579.20 (up 0.05%)

  • Mankind Pharma – ₹2,585.30 (up 1.02%)

  • Dr Reddy’s Laboratories – ₹1,261.20 (down 0.08%)

  • Zydus Lifesciences – ₹1,005.75 (down 0.24%)

  • Abbott India – ₹32,435.00 (down 0.43%)

  • Biocon – ₹360.25 (down 0.36%)

  • GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals – ₹2,767.00 (down 0.36%)

  • Cohance Lifesciences – ₹897.25 (down 0.86%)

  • Piramal Pharma – ₹199.34 (down 0.90%)

  • Eris Lifesciences – ₹1,776.50 (down 0.19%)

  • Wockhardt – ₹1,483.50 (down 0.30%)

  • AstraZeneca Pharma India – ₹9,093.50 (down 0.02%)

  • Onesource Specialty Pharma – ₹1,905.30 (up 0.33%)

  • Neuland Laboratories – ₹14,299.00 (down 0.48%)

  • Concord Biotech – ₹1,688.00 (down 0.64%)

  • Granules India – ₹515.00 (down 0.67%)

  • Sanofi India – ₹5,159.00 (up 0.57%)

  • Strides Pharma Science – ₹889.00 (down 0.83%)

  • Aarti Pharmalabs – ₹886.30 (up 0.81%)

  • Marksans Pharma – ₹172.96 (down 0.03%)

  • Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals – ₹476.00 (up 0.41%)

  • Supriya Lifescience – ₹664.35 (up 0.45%)

  • Innova Captab – ₹910.00 (down 0.51%)

Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information.

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