Khader for cut in taxes on imported medical devices

Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader said that he would write to the Centre requesting them to cut down taxes levied on medical devices and equipments imported from other countries.

He spoke after inaugurating the two-day third annual health care IT India summit organised by Fleming India Management Services Private Limited in the City on Thursday.

“It is due to heavy taxes levied on medical devices that the treatment of medical expenses go high,” Khader said, adding, “The customs duty makes it tough for patients and hospitals, thereby quality treatment is being denied.”

Khader said most of the equipments are imported from other countries and there was a need to manufacture the same in India. “With the establishment of industries that manufacture these devices, not only will the country become independent, also treatment can be made cost-effective. There is a need for both the Central and State governments to work for this,” Khader added.

Stating that Karnataka was providing quality treatment at affordable cost to the poor, he opined that if more hospitals came joined the initiative, it would contribute to the growth of medical tourism.