Pakistan Medical Association threatens nationwide clinic closures over FBR point-of-sale requirement

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has warned that healthcare facilities across the country could close if the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) proceeds with mandatory Point of Sale (POS) integration for doctors’ clinics and other medical service providers.

As per a news report, the warning followed a meeting between a PMA delegation and FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, where the association raised objections to the proposed tax enforcement measures.

The FBR recently directed a wide range of businesses and service providers to integrate their operations with its system through electronic invoicing hardware and software. 

The notified categories include clinics, diagnostic laboratories and private hospitals, as well as restaurants, hotels, courier services, beauty salons, gyms, private schools and colleges.

The measure is aimed at improving documentation and expanding the tax base.

Under the notification, taxable supplies and services must be provided through integrated outlets using real-time, verifiable electronic invoices. Records will also have to be retained for six years.

The PMA argued that healthcare is an essential professional service rather than a commercial retail activity and said applying mandatory Point of Sale systems to clinics was legally unjustified.

The association also said the move undermined the medical profession and ignored judicial decisions.

In a statement issued after the meeting, PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro described the tax authorities’ approach as “rigid”.

He said the medical fraternity would have “no option except to shut down healthcare facilities across the country and explore other jobs” if the FBR continued to impose Point of Sale systems on clinics.