The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has expressed concern over the impending increase in VAT, stating that it will have a detrimental impact on the health sector. According to GMOA media spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, the new 18 percent tax will be applied to various items in the health sector that were previously untaxed, leading to a potential crisis.
Starting from January, the new tax will be imposed on ambulances, raw materials used in medicine production, medical equipment, high-tech medical devices, and assistive devices for disabled individuals, including crutches and hearing aids.
The GMOA emphasizes that burdening the health sector with unnecessary taxes will hinder the provision of essential benefits to patients. They warn that the country’s health sector is on the verge of a critical situation.
Furthermore, the GMOA criticizes the government’s policies and actions, which should prioritize the welfare of the people but instead jeopardize their lives. As a result of these increased taxes, more doctors are expected to leave the country, exacerbating the already existing shortage.
In conclusion, the GMOA urges the government to reconsider its decision and prioritize the well-being of the population by alleviating the tax burden on the health sector.
