Pakistan Medical Association announces strike for September 30 — Dawn

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has announced a nationwide strike and the closure of medical facilities on September 30 in protest against the policies of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Private healthcare providers across the country are expected to join the action, Dawn reports.

Objections to tax rules

PMA Secretary General Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said that the medical community rejects the reclassification of medical services as retail sales, which he called arbitrary, as well as the forced introduction of Point of Sale (POS) systems in private hospitals.

According to Shoro, healthcare workers treat patients rather than sell commercial goods. He also said that private hospitals meet more than 70% of the country's healthcare needs and regularly pay income tax.

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The PMA representative claims that the private healthcare sector faces heavy fines, raids on hospital premises and constant pressure from tax authorities. In his view, this makes it more difficult for medical institutions to operate in the country.

Association's demands

Shoro said that following meetings of PMA leadership in all provinces, the association reached a consensus on holding the strike. All medical facilities in the provinces were instructed to completely cease operations on September 30.

The PMA demands that the federal government and the FBR cancel the requirement for POS systems, annul fines, stop raids on hospitals and recognize the important role of healthcare workers. Shoro said that if, in his words, unfair treatment and harassment continue, the medical community may suspend the provision of healthcare services indefinitely across the country.