`


THERE IS NO GOD EXCEPT ALLAH
read:
MALAYSIA Tanah Tumpah Darahku

LOVE MALAYSIA!!!


 


Thursday, March 12, 2015

Now, doctors want to sue Najib over 'unfair' GST

Now, doctors want to sue Najib over 'unfair' GST
PETALING JAYA - The government may face a legal challenge against its intention to have the 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on doctors' fees for consultation and procedures in private hospitals.
The medical fraternity is contemplating a legal challenge against GST being imposed on such fees on the grounds that it is categorised as "outsourced services" of private hospitals.
It is learnt that some doctors and hospitals have sought legal advice as they do not feel it is fair for such fees to be taxable under GST, although the cost will eventually be passed on to their patients.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr H. Krishna Kumar when contacted said he is aware that some affected parties have consulted their lawyers.
theSun had on March 5 reported that under a new guideline from the Customs Department, professional fees charged by doctors in private hospitals for consultation will be subjected to GST when it is implemented on April 1.
Following the report, the Customs Department had sent two circulars to MMA, the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) and the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM).
It is learnt that instead of clarifying matters, the two circulars, which were full of jargon, made matters more complicated and confusing as stakeholders could not understand the implications.
As such, the Customs Department will be convening a meeting with the stakeholders on March 18.
Krishna said the medical fraternity is unhappy that doctors and specialists are categorised as "third party providers" by the Customs Department, which is asking hospitals to collect the 6% GST for their fees.
"The hospitals will definitely get the money from patients. If a doctor's fee is RM100, the hospital will charge the patient RM106 or make it a round figure of RM110 without indicating that a 6% GST has been charged. The patient will never know," he added.
The medical fraternity is of the view that all doctors' fees under private healthcare should be exempted, irrespective of whether they work in clinics or hospitals.
PM Najib
"Doctors in hospital are independent private practitioners and not outsourced services. These doctors provide services directly to the patient and the hospital collects the professional fees on their behalf and gives it back to the doctors," said APHM president Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas.
"The hospital merely provides the facility for them to see patients. The hospital cannot be burdened with having to pay the 6% GST," he said, adding that they will continue to object until the matter is made acceptable to the healthcare industry.
Meanwhile, anxiety is also rising in patients, especially those with diseases like cancer, as it has been announced that their drugs also fall under the GST net.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, who is also finance minister, had in both his 2014 and 2015 Budget speeches, categorically stated that education and health services were to be exempted from the GST. - Sundaily

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.