Sales tax relief on locally manufactured medical equipment hailed

Representatives of various social sector organisations on Wednesday hailed the government's proposal of exemption of sales tax on local supply of locally manufactured medical equipment, regeants and disposables to government and 50-bed charity hospitals.
Talking to APP, they were of view that the poor people will get better and affordable health facilities from the government and charity hospitals through this decision.
Dr Altaf Salim, a head of charity hospital functioning in the federal capital said that it is a historical day as the government has considered the request of such health institutions providing free medical services to poor people. He added this will also help improving existing facilities as more equipment could be installed at hospital after exemption of sales tax.
Dr Wasim Khauja working with government hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) termed the proposal as good news for the poor people as according to him rates of medical equipment being used in the government hospitals will reduce. He said imposition of sales tax on medical products caused burden on poor patients however government's proposal will give relief to them.