LAHORE – The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has announced the closure of all private hospitals and clinics across the country on September 30 in protest against the tax authority’s actions.

The PMA says private medical institutions across the country will remain closed on Wednesday as doctors are protesting against the implementation of Point of Sale (POS) system, action under Section 175 (C) and what the association describes as FBR’s “aggressive” and allegedly insulting behavior towards the medical sector.

According to the statement issued by the General Secretary of PMA Center, a complete strike will be observed across the country as a protest, while the district branches and provincial councilors of PMA Punjab have also announced the implementation of the decision.

PMA Punjab has directed the district presidents and general secretaries to mobilize private clinics and hospitals in their respective areas. The association has also asked its local leadership to reach out to members of the medical community and civil society representatives and encourage them to join the protest against FBR’s tough measures.

FBR has issued new guidelines for beauty parlours, slimming centers and others.

The PMA argues that the POS system and the current FBR approach may create additional financial and administrative complications for doctors and private healthcare institutions. According to the association, any additional financial burden on healthcare providers could ultimately be passed on to patients, increasing the cost of their treatment.

The medical body emphasized that Pakistan’s healthcare system is already facing serious challenges. He argues that adding more financial and administrative demands to medical institutions at this stage could exacerbate existing problems and create additional hardships for both health care providers and patients.

The September 30 shutdown has been billed as a symbolic protest, but the PMA says its campaign will not end there.

The next big move has already been decided. PMA Punjab will hold a major convention in Gujarat on October 11 in which district leadership and representatives from other provinces are expected to participate.

The convention will discuss the actions of FBR and determine the future course of action of the association, PMA will announce its next steps after consultation with its leadership.

PMA Punjab President Dr. Kamran Saeed Sheikh has demanded immediate intervention from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He urged the Prime Minister to take note of the controversy and take into account the health care situation in the country and stop such measures which the association said could create more difficulties for doctors, private health institutions and patients.

Hotels, clinics, educational institutions must contact FBR within 7 days.