NATHEALTH, anapex body representing the Indian healthcare industry, has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement on forthcoming GST reforms, calling it a timely opportunity to revisit the healthcare sector’s tax framework. NATHEALTH has recommended that GST input slabs for healthcare should be standardised at 5 per cent, and wherever GST output payments are applicable, providers should be permitted to claim input credit.
Healthcare today is one of India’s largest and fastest-growing sectors, contributing significantly to the economy and attracting unprecedented levels of foreign investment. Yet, despite its scale and importance, the sector has not fully benefited from India’s most transformational tax reform, the Goods and Services Tax (GST). While GST rationalisation has delivered efficiency and cost advantages across many industries, healthcare has remained largely outside its ambit. What was intended as a compliance relief has, in practice, created significant challenges. Hospitals and diagnostic providers are unable to claim input tax credit on essential inputs ranging from medical equipment and consumables to contractual labour, maintenance and critical services.
According to a study jointly conducted by NATHEALTH and EY, across India, embedded taxes amount to an estimated 5.5–6 per cent of providers’ total revenues, a hidden cost that ultimately increases the cost of care for patients. The study further shows that embedded taxes have actually increased in the GST era: for hospitals, they rose from 4.3 per cent in the pre-GST period (2016–17) to 5.7 per cent in the GST period (2018–19 to 2020–21), while for diagnostic laboratories and testing centres, the burden climbed from 3.8 per cent to 5.8 per cent.
Ameera Shah, President, NATHEALTH and Promoter & Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare, said, “Tax reform in healthcare is ultimately about patients. Every rupee saved through rationalisation can be redirected towards improving access, investing in new technologies, and supporting frontline staff. Such measures will also go a long way in advancing India’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage, as healthcare is a need for every individual. A pragmatic GST structure will ease the burden on providers while directly benefiting millions of Indians who rely on quality care. It will also reinforce investor confidence, giving the sector the stability to expand capacity and scale innovation, thereby making healthcare more affordable and accessible for all.”
Capping input GST slabs for healthcare at 5 per cent is critical, as the current structure has significantly increased the cost burden on providers. Blocked credits today are higher than in the pre-GST regime, creating a hidden layer of costs. In addition, essential services such as contractual manpower attract 18 per cent GST, which disincentivises flexible hiring in a sector that is heavily people-dependent. A large share of embedded taxes is also linked to life-saving drugs and consumables, which temporary waivers have not adequately addressed.
NATHEALTH remains committed to working closely with policymakers to ensure that the upcoming GST reforms strengthen the healthcare sector, lower costs for patients, and reinforce India’s position as a trusted healthcare destination.