The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has rejected the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) proposal to introduce mandatory Point of Sale (POS) integration for doctors’ clinics. The association warned that the decision could force healthcare facilities across Pakistan to close if the tax authority refuses to withdraw the plan.
The FBR recently directed several service providers to connect their businesses with its digital tax system. The authority introduced the measure to improve tax documentation and expand the national tax base.
However, the PMA argued that the policy places an unnecessary burden on healthcare providers. Therefore, it urged the FBR to withdraw the proposed requirement.
FBR Expands Digital Tax System
The FBR included several service sectors in its latest notification. These sectors include restaurants, hotels, courier companies, beauty salons, gyms, private schools, colleges, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and private hospitals.
Under the proposed policy, businesses must issue real-time electronic invoices through integrated outlets. They must also keep transaction records for six years.
The FBR believes the initiative will improve transparency and increase tax compliance. Moreover, it expects the system to strengthen business documentation across the country.
PMA Rejects Retail Classification for Clinics
A PMA delegation met FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial to present the medical community’s concerns.
The association said healthcare is an essential professional service, not a commercial retail business. It argued that the FBR has no legal basis to treat clinics like retail outlets through mandatory POS integration.
PMA representatives also said the proposed system could increase administrative work for doctors. As a result, healthcare services may suffer.
Doctors Warn of Possible Clinic Closures
After the meeting, PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro criticized the FBR’s approach. He described the proposed policy as rigid and impractical.
He warned that doctors might close healthcare facilities if the FBR continued to enforce the system without addressing their concerns. He added that many medical professionals could seek alternative work instead.
The PMA urged the FBR to review the proposal and consider the concerns of the medical community. It also called on the tax authority to respect relevant court decisions before enforcing the policy. The association stressed that future tax reforms should support compliance without disrupting essential healthcare services.
