Private hospitals reopen after tax dispute talks

Private hospitals across all four tehsils of Bhakkar remained closed throughout the day amid an ongoing dispute between doctors and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), but the facilities were reopened after successful negotiations between the two sides late at night.

The closure of private hospitals caused considerable difficulties for patients and their attendants.

People who had travelled from remote areas to Bhakkar district headquarters for medical treatment were left distressed after finding hospital doors closed, while patients requiring urgent care and their families struggled to find alternative healthcare facilities.

The suspension of private healthcare services, including outpatient departments (OPDs), kept the district's healthcare situation tense throughout the day.

Patients were seen moving from one hospital to another in search of treatment, while those requiring immediate medical attention faced particular difficulties.

A significant development came late at night when representatives of the doctors and FBR held detailed negotiations.

The talks focused on tax-related matters, doctors' concerns and the procedures adopted by the FBR during its actions involving private medical facilities.