<h1>GST rate overhaul to 5% and 18% lowers GST on medicines, devices, and insurance, cutting costs and expanding coverage</h1> The GST Council's rate rationalisation, effective September 22, compresses slabs to 5% and 18% and includes removal or reduction of GST on essential medicines, medical devices, medtech items and health and life insurance; healthcare sector leaders say these changes will legally lower consumer prices, reduce insurance premiums, expand coverage, and decrease out-of-pocket expenses, potentially improving treatment adherence and access. Providers anticipate tangible financial relief-estimates cited of an 8-10% reduction in average hospitalisation costs-and urge parallel policy measures to promote insurance uptake given continued reliance on private hospitals amid incomplete public infrastructure.