Sales Tax in Tamilnadu for HIV/AIDS medicines

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Even when Govt is saying that there is no sales tax on ARV medicines, we are

still paying sales tax on ARV medications in Tamil Nadu.

Please somebody, kindly take some nessary steps to stop the sales tax on the

life saving medicines (ART) 2nd line regimens.

Only Government issuing first line drugs. After few years it becomes resistance

are toxicity change to 2nd line regimens.

So, for the patients benefits kindly take some steps to avoid the sales tax.

It seems it is only happening in Tamilnadu

If any further details are required feel free to contact me

Rajkumar

e-mail: <rajkumarcmcvellore@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Ref: Rajkumar's posting on Sales Tax in Tamilnadu for HIV/AIDS medicines.

The scenario in Tamil nadu on the issues of ART provision (supply) vary from

Government free supply and people who access from private services.

More than 13 centres providing free ART in the Government institutions in Tamil

nadu, this is only the first line regimen. Under the CIFF programme they also

providing second line regimen in Three ART centres.

People who access in private ART centres have to pay the sales tax.

But in the TANSACS ART pharmacy people can buy the ART drugs wihtout any sales

tax which include first and second line therapy. This pharmacy is functioning

for more than three years.

However, the ART should also be made available in private pharmacy without sales

tax. Government of Tamil Nadu should implement tax free ART drugs sales in the

open market.

Regards

Rama Pandian

President, Tamilnad Network of Positive People (TNP+)

70/269, Labour Colony

Guindy, Chennai - 600 032.

Tel : 044- 22327819, Mobile: 94440 40469.

e-mail: <tnpluz@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Anti-retroviral agents are life-saving drugs. Improving access to these

drugs involves multiple strategies, and one very important one is cost

reduction.

Since the demand for ART exceeds the facilities available in the ART Canters in

Government Institutions, and since second-line ART is not available in these

institutions, a sizeable number of PLHA access providers outside the Government

sector.

So, I feel that is absolutely essential to exempt these drugs from sales tax,

thereby reducing the cost and improving access.

Dr. O.C. Abraham,

Christian Medical College, Vellore

e-mail: <ocabraham@...