Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chairman of Mahajan Imaging & Labs and Chairman of the Health Services Committee at FICCI, has welcomed key government initiatives aimed at bolstering the healthcare sector, including tax exemptions for small businesses, expansion of rural healthcare, and concessions on life-saving drugs. However, he also highlighted the need for a revision in GST rates on medical devices to further support the sector.

Support for MSMEs and Healthcare Expansion

Dr. Mahajan lauded the revision of MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) limits and the exemption from income tax for up to ₹12 lakh, calling it a significant move that will benefit professionals working in healthcare. "These initiatives will provide crucial support to small businesses, helping them grow and contribute to India’s healthcare ecosystem," he said.

He also commended the government’s focus on improving healthcare accessibility, particularly through initiatives like daycare cancer centers in district hospitals and the expansion of rural healthcare under the BharatNet scheme. "These measures will significantly enhance cancer care and access to essential healthcare services in underserved areas," he emphasized.

Cheaper Life-Saving Medicines for Patients

Dr. Mahajan welcomed the exemption of 36 life-saving drugs from basic customs duty, along with a concessional 5% duty on six additional medicines, which he said would make critical treatments more affordable for patients battling cancer, rare diseases, and chronic conditions. The inclusion of 37 additional medicines and the introduction of 13 new patient assistance programs were also highlighted as steps that will help ease the financial burden on patients.

Boost for Medical Tourism, But GST Concerns Remain

The healthcare leader also praised the government's emphasis on promoting Medical Tourism through the "Heal in India" initiative, which aims to position India as a global healthcare hub by working closely with the private sector. "These efforts will strengthen India's position as a world leader in healthcare," he said.

However, Dr. Mahajan pointed out the lack of a GST revision on medical devices, stressing that a reduction would have provided immediate relief to the sector, particularly for diagnostic and imaging technologies crucial for timely patient care.

Commitment to India's Healthcare Transformation

Despite this gap, Dr. Mahajan reaffirmed his commitment to supporting India’s healthcare transformation by leveraging cutting-edge diagnostic solutions to enhance patient outcomes and improve access to life-saving treatments nationwide.