Pakistan Medical Association Demands Transparent Tax Mechanism for Private Healthcare
Multan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - September 29, 2026)
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has demanded that the Federal Government address doctors' concerns regarding the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) digital invoicing and Point of Sale (POS) system. They call for the formulation of a transparent and workable mechanism through negotiations with medical representatives.
PMA Multan office-bearers announced a complete strike by private hospitals and clinics on September 30, stating that medical services will be suspended across Multan and South Punjab in protest against what they perceive as harsh FBR policies towards the private healthcare sector.
Speaking at a press conference at Multan Press Club, PMA Multan President, Prof Dr Masood-ur-Rauf Haraj, expressed concern over the FBR's implementation of POS-based digital invoicing within private hospitals and clinics, raising questions about inspector deployment within healthcare facilities. He stressed that direct intervention in patient affairs could compromise privacy, medical confidentiality, and damage the dignity of the medical profession.
PMA clarifies that doctors and private healthcare institutions are willing to pay taxes as per the law but object to a mechanism they believe treats healthcare like an ordinary retail business.
Dr Imran Haider Qaisrani, PMA Multan General Secretary, highlighted the importance of the private sector in alleviating pressure on public hospitals, emphasizing that millions rely on private clinics and hospitals for healthcare. He argued that additional taxation and administrative requirements could ultimately burden patients and the general public by increasing operational costs for private institutions.
Other prominent figures from the Private Hospitals Association, including Prof Dr Shahid Rao, Prof Dr Tariq Waqar, Dr Waqas Imran, Dr Ismail Bashir, Dr Akmal Madni, Dr Irfan Paracha, and Dr Zulqarnain Haider, joined in questioning why a simple and transparent tax mechanism couldn't be developed through negotiations. They suggested that a mutually agreed-upon system could benefit both the government and healthcare providers.
The PMA representatives reiterated their efforts to address these concerns since January 2026, communicating with the FBR Chairman and other relevant authorities without resolution.