GST reforms are proving to be beneficial to the common people, and the Super GST – Super Savings programme is bringing new light into the lives of ordinary citizens, said NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha.

Participating in an awareness rally at the Old Government General Hospital (GGH) in Vijayawada on Thursday (October 9), the Collector said that under Super GST 2.0, the tax burden in various sectors has reduced significantly.

Citing examples, he said life insurance, which previously attracted 18% GST, is now completely exempt from tax. Similarly, health and family insurance have also been given full exemptions. Essential life-saving medicines, which earlier had a 12% GST, are now tax-free, he said, adding that the tax on medical equipment and diagnostic kits has been reduced from 12% to 5%.

He emphasised that extensive awareness programmes are being conducted from the village level to educate people about the benefits of these reforms. Awareness campaigns are being held in hospitals, Rythu Seva Kendras, anganwadis, educational institutions, and other public institutions, said Joint Collector S. Ilakkiya.

GST Vijayawada Joint Commissioner S. Prashant Kumar and District Medical and Health Officer M. Suhasini highlighted the specific advantages of GST reforms in the healthcare sector. They said the GST on regular medicines has been reduced from 12% to 5%, and the same rate now applies to testing kits.

NTR District Chemists and Druggists Association president Sadhu Prasad, secretary D.V.R. Saikumar, and others were present.