Medics reject tax monitoring system

The Rawalpindi divisional convention of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has rejected the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) directive to install POS systems in doctors' clinics, declaring that physical monitoring of clinics will not be accepted and that the struggle will continue until their demands are met.

The convention, held on the PMA platform, saw participation from all major representative doctors' organisations and a large number of physicians from both public and private sectors. Participants extensively discussed the discriminatory and humiliating treatment meted out to doctors by the FBR.

The attendees unanimously rejected the installation of POS systems in clinics and hospitals, emphasising that any form of physical monitoring of medical facilities is unacceptable, as it violates the dignity, honour, and professional autonomy of doctors.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to voluntarily review their tax returns and comply with legal requirements, but made it clear that any form of coercion, pressure, or force would not be tolerated.

Dr Kamran Saeed, President of PMA Punjab, briefed the convention on meetings held with the FBR Chairman and the Federal Finance Minister, providing updates on the progress of negotiations.

The convention concluded with a unanimous declaration that the struggle would continue until legitimate demands are met. If demands are ignored, doctors warned of taking strict measures, including a complete shutdown of private medical institutions nationwide. Participants stressed that no compromise would be made on the respect, dignity, and professional independence of doctors and vowed to pursue every constitutional and democratic avenue to achieve their objectives.