KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) vehemently opposes the Sindh government’s recent decision to issue a tender for the procurement of surgical robots. The PMA strongly believes that this move is a misplaced priority that diverts critical resources away from strengthening the basic primary healthcare needs of the people says a communication issued by the PMA.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of advanced medical technologies, the current state of our healthcare system, PMA says, demands that the government focus its attention and resources on addressing the fundamental challenges faced by our primary healthcare infrastructure. Spending the nation’s money on costly instruments, such as surgical robots, without first ensuring the availability of essential medical facilities and services at the grassroots level is a grave oversight that will only exacerbate the existing disparities in healthcare access and quality.
The PMA argues that the funds allocated for the procurement of surgical robots would be better utilized in improving the availability of basic healthcare services, upgrading medical equipment, and enhancing the training and retention of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This strategic investment would have a more significant and lasting impact on the overall health and well-being of the Pakistani population.
Recently Govt of Sindh proposed the new tax, which is set at 3% on the services provided by private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers, and announced that there is scarcity of resources and on other side tendered for the procurement of costly Robotic surgical instruments. (PR)
