After the sales tax was implemented, the cost of medical equipment grew dramatically, placing a greater financial burden on Lahore’s patients with a variety of conditions.
The burden on those in need of medical care has increased due to the rising rates of over 150 medical gadgets, including necessary goods like blood pressure monitors and sugar strips.
The Healthcare Device Association has announced a significant price rise of 25% to 30% for certain items. Important instances consist of:
- Sugar strips: originally sold for Rs1,300, they are now available for Rs1,700; originally sold for Rs1,500, they are now available for Rs 2,000.
- Wheelchairs: Price increases to between Rs. 18,000 and Rs. 20,000 from Rs. 13,000.
- Blood pressure monitors: Price increase to Rs5,000 from Rs 3,800.
- Syringes: Packs that used to retail for Rs3,500 now fetch Rs4,500.
- Nebulizer machines: now cost Rs4,500 instead of Rs 3,000.
- Thermometers: Price increases to Rs. 500 from Rs. 350.
- Blood sugar trackers: Priced at Rs3,600 instead of Rs2,500.