PMA criticises tax ‘intrusion’

Alleges risk to patient confidentiality in private hospitals

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has accused the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of harassment of doctors and intrusive actions inside hospitals that threaten patient privacy and stability of the healthcare system.

The concerns were raised during a press conference by PMA office-bearers who warned that continued pressure could lead to suspension of medical services in Punjab.

PMA President Dr Izhar Chaudhry said doctors across the country were experiencing stress due to “coercive and unjustified” actions by tax authorities. “Doctors have never delayed tax payments nor avoided filing returns. Despite this, we are being treated like offenders,” he said.

Dr Chaudhry alleged that the government was deliberately transforming healthcare into a profit-driven sector, adding that even rural health centres and basic health units, established to serve underprivileged people, were now being viewed through a commercial lens. “Saving human lives is being reduced to a business transaction, which is morally and professionally unacceptable,” he added.

Punjab PMA President Dr Kamran Sheikh said the government was extracting more revenue from the health sector than it was reinvesting in it.

He said doctors and private hospitals paid taxes on medical and diagnostic equipment, consumables and medicines.

He alleged that recent FBR initiatives lacked legal grounding and reflected administrative overreach. “Doctors are among the most documented professionals. Accusing them of hiding income is misleading and damaging,” he said.

Another PMA leader, Dr Maqsood Zahid, alleged that FBR officials were questioning patients in hospitals in the province and their personal details were being recorded, raising concerns about confidentiality and consent. “This is a violation of patient privacy and medical ethics. Hospitals are not tax collection centres,” he stated.

Dr Zahid described such actions as harassment and intimidation, not only of doctors but also of patients.

He warned that if such practices continue, the medical staff might be left with no option but to suspend services in protest.