Patients in Lahore are grappling with heightened financial strain as the prices of essential medical equipment soar following the imposition of sales tax.
Over 150 medical devices, including critical items like sugar strips and blood pressure machines, have seen significant price hikes, exacerbating the financial burden on those requiring medical treatment.
According to reports from the Healthcare Device Association, prices have surged across the board, with some items witnessing increases of 25% to 30%. For instance, sugar strips, previously priced at Rs1,300, are now selling for Rs1,700, while higher-end strips have jumped from Rs1,500 to Rs2,000.
Similarly, wheelchairs have escalated from Rs13,000 to between Rs18,000 and Rs20,000, and blood pressure machines have risen from Rs3,800 to Rs5,000. Syringes, previously Rs3,500, now cost Rs4,500, and nebulizer machines have increased from Rs3,000 to Rs4,500.
Even basic medical essentials like thermometers and blood sugar monitors have seen price hikes from Rs350 to Rs500 and Rs2,500 to Rs3,600, respectively.
Private laboratories have also raised diagnostic test rates, compounding financial pressures on patients seeking medical care.
Maqsood Ahmed, chairman of the Healthcare Device Association, underscored the impact of these price increases on patients, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. He emphasized that since a significant majority of medical devices are imported, changes in taxes and tariffs directly influence their costs, making healthcare less accessible for many.
The implementation of sales tax highlights the critical need for policies that carefully consider their impact on healthcare affordability, especially for vulnerable populations.
As patients and healthcare providers navigate these challenges, urgent measures are required to alleviate the financial burden on those most in need of medical assistance.
