Karachi: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce (FPCCI) recently asked the government to provide tax relief for the health sector, a news source reported. In this regard, the Convener FPCCI Central Standing Committee on Insurance Dr Murtaza Mughal asked the government to waive taxes imposed on health products and services.
Dr Mughal remarked that the tax relief would provide the masses
with access to health products and services. He also asked for an increase in
the budget for the health sector during the ongoing virus outbreak. He added
that the government should extend the tax deadlines for some important sectors,
waive off penalties, and promote health insurance so that the underprivileged
could also receive quality services.
While speaking with the Executive Member of Insurance Association of Pakistan and Director UIC Huma Waheed, Dr Mughal suggested that the Federal Board of Revenue should set up a special cell for studying the impact of the virus outbreak on taxpayers and businesses. He added that the tax authority should use the findings of this proposed study to finalise a coronavirus response package for stimulating the economy.
He also noted that health insurance companies mostly focused
on urban areas. Therefore, he said, that the government should provide
incentives to companies providing these services to the rural areas.
