Sales tax hike: prices of 150 medical devices soar

Since the new sales tax went into effect, the cost of more than 150 medical devices—including necessities like blood pressure monitors and sugar strips—has increased, making healthcare more expensive for people who need it.

The Healthcare Device Association reports notable price increases, with some items experiencing a 25% to 30% hike. Key examples include:

• Sugar strips: Increased from Rs1,300 to Rs1,700; and Rs1,500 to Rs2,000.
• Wheelchairs: Increased from Rs13,000 to between Rs18,000 and Rs20,000.
• Blood pressure machines: Increased from Rs3,800 to Rs5,000.
• Syringes: Packs previously costing Rs3,500 now sell for Rs4,500.
• Nebulizer machines: Increased from Rs3,000 to Rs4,500.
• Thermometers: Increased from Rs350 to Rs500.
• Blood sugar monitors: Increased from Rs2,500 to Rs3,600.

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Diagnostic test rates at various private laboratories have also risen, adding to patients’ financial burdens.

Maqsood Ahmed, chairman of the Healthcare Device Association, highlighted the impact of these price hikes on patients. “As medical equipment becomes more expensive, the overall cost of treatment will rise, disproportionately affecting poorer patients,” he said.