Food Served to In-Patients is Exempted from GST

Goods and Services Tax (GST) has become a matter of discussion not only among big economists but also among common man. Dismissing all the doubts about applying the GST on the food served at various places, the government has declared that no GST will apply on the food served to patients in hospitals.

But at the same time, the patients who are not admitted in the hospital will have to pay tax on the total value of food served by the hospital within its premises. The Revenue Department also gave justification for not levying GST on services provides by the hospitals and its staffs including doctors by saying that these services are covered under the healthcare services. Foods supplied to in-patients are exempted from GST as they come within the healthcare services. But if it comes to the question of the attendant or the visitor of the patient, then it is taxable. The decisions of exempting food served to in-patients have been taken after getting advice from various doctors and health experts. It is a relief for the patients who already pay a lot to hospitals for their treatment. 

By- Anita Aishvarya

Content: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/no-gst-on-food-served-by-hospitals-to-in-patients/articleshow/62916905.cms