Maharashtra exempts dialysis medicines from taxes

The state government has decided that 13 drugs and medical equipment, including erythropoetin recombinant injection, peritoneal dialysis fluids, dialysers, dialysis tubings and dialysis machines will be exempted from all taxes

Some of the drugs and medical equipment used for dialysis will be exempted from all taxes.

The state government’s decision will bring big relief to patients suffering from kidney-related diseases. The notification will be issued in a couple of days. Finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar confirmed the development.

The state government has decided that 13 drugs and medical equipment, including erythropoetin recombinant injection, peritoneal dialysis fluids, dialysers, dialysis tubings and dialysis machines will be exempted from all taxes.

“The decision will be applicable for drugs and medical equipment sold under a generic name or a brand name,” said a senior officer from the finance department, on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media.

The drugs used for dialysis attract 5% VAT in the state, while medical equipment are sold with a VAT ranging between 5-12.5%, said the officer. “Import duty on dialysis equipment (dialyser and tubing) is around 44%, making the procedure very expensive. The decision will bring much relief to patients,” said the officer.

In the annual budget presented in March this year, the finance minister had announced waiving off taxes on medicines for dialysis, kidney-related treatments and the drugs required for the cancer treatments.

The medicines for the treatment of the cancer have already been exempted from taxes.