Patients in Lahore are facing heightened financial strain due to a significant increase in medical equipment prices following the introduction of sales tax.
Over 150 types of medical devices, including essential items such as sugar strips and blood pressure machines, have seen substantial price hikes, adding to the financial burden on those in need of medical care.
The Healthcare Device Association reports that some items have experienced price increases of 25% to 30%.
For instance, the cost of sugar strips has risen from Rs1,300 to Rs1,700 and from Rs1,500 to Rs2,000.
Wheelchairs now cost between Rs18,000 and Rs20,000, up from Rs13,000.
Blood pressure machines have increased from Rs3,800 to Rs5,000, and syringes, which previously cost Rs3,500, now sell for Rs4,500.
Nebulizer machines have gone up from Rs3,000 to Rs4,500,
thermometers have risen from Rs350 to Rs500, and blood sugar monitors have increased from Rs2,500 to Rs3,600.
Additionally, diagnostic tests at various private laboratories have also become more expensive, further contributing to the financial pressure on patients.
Maqsood Ahmed, chairman of the Healthcare Device Association, emphasized the impact of these price increases on patients. He noted that as medical equipment costs rise, the overall cost of treatment also increases, disproportionately affecting those with fewer resources. Ahmed highlighted that with approximately 95% of medical devices being imported, their prices are particularly sensitive to changes in taxes and tariffs.