Exempt tax on medical equipment, say experts

Jaipur: Experts feel the sector which has gained more importance due to Covid pandemic is health and it required more attention from the Centre in the union budget. According to them, the entire healthcare infrastructure was completely exposed during Covid-19, which is why it needed more focus. Strengthening of health infrastructure was needed and hence medical equipment should have been exempted from the GST so that private and government hospitals should be able to purchase the equipment to strengthen their facilities.

“If we (private hospitals) want to strengthen our healthcare facilities we need to purchase more equipment, which is quite expensive. Such equipment is life-saving but due to high cost, a lot of small and medium hospitals have been unable to buy them. The announcement of making these equipment exempted from GST should have been made,” said Dr Vijay Kapoor, secretary, private hospitals and nursing homes society, Jaipur.

The state government is also taking measures to strengthen the healthcare facilities not only in urban areas but also in rural areas, but a lot needs to be done, said health experts.

“It has been two years since the country has been witnessing a pandemic of this wavelength. The programs and plans that have been announced under the budget are very much relevant and in sync with the kind of times we are going through. Our country’s healthcare sector and infrastructure need attention and it is the right step towards a healthier country,” said Neerav Bansal, zonal director at a private hospital. ,

He explains further, “The Covid era has made us realise the importance of health. People started paying attention to their mental health as well, so our population in all regions must have better access to healthcare facilities. The National tele-mental health program will also facilitate better access to mental health specialists to everyone in need since many people have been struggling with personal and financial loss,” said Bansal.