Customs duty on medical equipment may be waived for large hospitals

In a bid to strengthen the country's healthcare infrastructure, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has proposed reducing customs duties on the import of medical machinery and equipment.

The move targets referral hospitals and all healthcare facilities with more than 50 beds.

As part of the government's broader effort to improve access to healthcare, the proposal includes a waiver of the existing 10 percent customs duty on equipment imports by such hospitals.

The measure is expected to reduce the cost of setting up and upgrading medical facilities, thereby helping expand access to better healthcare services across the country.

The duty waiver is also anticipated to encourage investment in the health sector, promote the establishment of larger hospitals, and make advanced medical equipment more readily available.