Pakistan Medical Association announces nationwide strike over tax policies

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has announced a nationwide strike for September 30, involving the closure of private hospitals and clinics across the country. The protest is directed against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) regarding new tax policies and enforcement methods.

A primary point of contention is the FBR’s requirement for private medical institutions to implement Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, a move the PMA argues reclassifies healthcare services as retail sales. Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, PMA Secretary General, stated that hospitals provide essential services rather than commercial goods and that the current approach disregards the nature of medical work.

The association also cited aggressive conduct by tax authorities, including raids on hospital premises, heavy fines, and sustained harassment. The PMA warned that these administrative and financial burdens could ultimately increase treatment costs for patients. The group is calling on the federal government to withdraw the POS requirement, halt raids, and eliminate fines.