PMA announces two-day strike over FBR measures

Medical body says POS requirements could raise treatment costs; emergency services to continue on Nov 1 and 2

IV Report

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Thursday announced a two-day nationwide strike on November 1 and 2 against the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Point of Sale (POS) measures for private clinics, criminal cases against doctors following adverse medical outcomes, and growing incidents of violence against healthcare professionals.

The association said all services, except emergency care, would remain suspended during the strike. It warned of a nationwide protest movement if the government failed to address its demands, with further action to be decided at the PMA Central Council meeting on November 28.

The announcement followed a consultative meeting of senior office-bearers, who subsequently addressed a press conference at PMA House to outline their concerns about doctors’ working conditions and the implications for healthcare delivery.

The PMA objected to the FBR’s drive to integrate private clinics and medical consultations with POS systems, describing the enforcement measures as coercive and inappropriate for medical practice. It alleged that raids on healthcare facilities were creating an atmosphere of intimidation.

The association argued that additional compliance requirements and costs could ultimately affect patients, particularly those already struggling to afford treatment amid rising living expenses. It called on the government to stop what it termed aggressive POS integration measures against healthcare establishments.

The dispute raises questions about implementing tax compliance requirements in healthcare without disrupting services or adding to patients’ financial burden. The PMA’s objections focused on the enforcement methods and their potential implications for the affordability and accessibility of treatment.

The doctors also expressed concern over criminal cases, including under Sections 302 and 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code, being registered against medical professionals following deaths or complications during treatment.

They said adverse outcomes could involve several factors, including delayed hospital arrivals, shortages of essential medicines and systemic weaknesses. The association demanded that an independent medical board assess cases before criminal proceedings against treating doctors and urged Parliament to enact legislation protecting healthcare professionals.

The PMA maintained that doctors in underfunded and understaffed public hospitals were often expected to manage critical cases without adequate equipment, medicines or security. It warned that violence and the threat of criminal proceedings could discourage doctors from taking high-risk cases, potentially affecting patients’ access to emergency care.

The association also called for institutional, legal and physical security for healthcare workers, citing incidents of verbal abuse, physical violence and public humiliation. It linked these conditions to doctors’ departure from Pakistan, arguing that insecurity and a lack of professional dignity were contributing factors.

“The two-day strike is expected to affect routine medical services, including outpatient consultations, while emergency services will remain operational, according to the PMA.”

The PMA said it had repeatedly sought dialogue with the authorities but would consider further collective action if its demands remained unaddressed.

The statement was signed by PMA Centre President Dr Izhar Ahmed Chaudhary and Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, along with other office-bearers and representatives of provincial and local medical bodies.

(With input from PMA PR)