New Taxation ‘Disrupts’ Sehat Sahulat Surgical Services

After the imposition of new taxes, surgical services under the Sehat Sahulat Program (SSP) have been significantly disrupted in Malakand Division, particularly in Lower Dir.

Key points

• With a population of around 1.6 million, Lower Dir has plenty of residents dependent on the Sehat Sahulat Program for medical treatment.
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• The new tax regime includes a 15% withholding tax and a 14% service tax, resulting in a combined tax burden of 29%.
• According to figures collected from private hospitals, around 200 surgeries were previously performed daily in Lower Dir under the SSP.
• Under the SSP payment structure, 60% of the package amount is paid to hospitals while 40% goes to doctors.

Doctors have reportedly refused to perform a number of procedures under the health insurance scheme. Pakistan Sees Sharp Decline in Students Choosing Medicine.

According to figures collected from private hospitals, around 200 surgeries were previously performed daily in Lower Dir under the SSP. Since September 1, the number has dropped to around 20 per day, while the remaining procedures are being carried out privately at patients' expense, nevertheless.

Five private hospitals affiliated with the SSP in Timergara, the district headquarters of Lower Dir, had been performing plenty of surgeries under the program. Hospital sources remarked orthopedic and a number of other major procedures have been particularly affected.

Meanwhile, the new tax regime includes a 15% withholding tax and a 14% service tax, resulting in a combined tax burden of 29%.

Under the SSP payment structure, 60% of the package amount is paid to hospitals while 40% goes to doctors. Medical practitioners argue that the new taxes have significantly reduced their earnings from SSP procedures.

Health authorities stated the existing compensation rates for surgeries are already inadequate and need to be revised. They remarked the current package rates produce it tough for hospitals to cover operational expenses, medicines and surgical equipment.

Gynecological services and dialysis treatment, nevertheless, continue to be provided under the SSP.

Private hospital managements remarked they have continued providing treatment despite higher operating costs and taxes but acknowledged that some doctors' refusal to perform surgeries is affecting access to healthcare for low-income patients. PMDC Reduces BDS Program Duration.

In practice, the disruption has additionally climbed pressure on the District Headquarters Hospital in Timergara as more patients seek treatment at administration facilities.

Residents have pressed the provincial administration, State Life Insurance Corporation and other stakeholders to resolve the taxation and remuneration problems and restore surgical services under the program. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover.

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Taken together, the developments around new Taxation 'Disrupts' Sehat Sahulat Surgical Services point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.