GST Relief on Medicines Denied: Major Pharmacies in Agartala Accused of Overcharging Customers

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 28, 2025

Despite the Central Government’s decision to reduce Goods and Services Tax (GST) on medicines from September 22, customers in Agartala are not receiving the expected benefit on their medicine bills. As per the revised GST structure, most medicines earlier taxed at 18% and 12% have now been brought under the 5% slab. This should ideally result in a price reduction of around 11% and 6.2% for customers, depending on the category of the medicines.

However, allegations have surfaced that most of the major medicine shops across Agartala city are not passing on this benefit to buyers. Instead, they continue to charge customers the pre-revised rates, depriving them of their rightful relief.

Adding to the grievance, customers complain that many large pharmacies in the city not only deny the GST benefit but also fail to provide the usual concessions or rebates on the printed prices of medicines. This has sparked widespread dissatisfaction, as patients and their families, already burdened with high medical expenses, are being forced to pay extra.

In contrast, several smaller medical shops in the capital are offering discounts ranging from 10% to 20% on printed medicine prices. Unfortunately, due to limited stock and availability, buyers often cannot get all the required medicines at these smaller outlets. Consequently, they are compelled to turn to larger shops, where they face inflated charges.

Reports suggest that this malpractice is rampant in key areas such as Tripura Medical College areas, IGM Hospital vicinity, GB Bazar, and Kaman Chowmuhani. Customers allege that these large pharmacies are taking undue advantage of people’s medical needs, while the state Drugs Controller’s office has failed to exercise effective regulatory control over the situation.

Consumers have urged authorities to intervene immediately, ensuring that all pharmacies comply with the GST reduction and that patients are not exploited in the name of essential healthcare.

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