ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has not been able to provide the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) with details it sought of doctors working at hospitals in the capital.

Council member Ali Raza told Dawn that while doctors are registered with the council “we do not regulate hospitals so it is not possible for us to direct hospitals to provide details of their staff”.

“Moreover, I believe the FBR can get details of doctors from the hospitals directly, as it is empowered to issue notices and seek details,” he said.

According to a letter the FBR sent to the PMDC that is available with Dawn, the Islamabad Inland Revenue West Zone Regional Tax Office commissioner has asked for details of doctors working in 40 hospitals in the capital.

Their names, designations, identity card numbers and complete addresses have been sought.

The list of hospitals provided with the letter includes the Shifa International Hospital in H-8, Family Health Hospital in I-10, Quaid-i-Azam Hospital, Islamabad International Hospital and Research Centre in E-11, Maroof International Hospital in F-10, Kulsoom International Hospital in Blue Area, Ali Medical Centre in F-8, Salma Kafeel Medical Services, Islamabad Medical Hospital in E-11, Life Care in G-10, Get Well in G-10, Medicsi in the Saudi Pak Tower, Shifa Medical Centre in F-11, Amanat Eye Trust and Maxhealth in G-8.

Other hospitals listed are the Al Ain International Specialist Eye Hospital in G-10, Islamabad Dental Hospital in Bhara Kahu, China Acupuncture Hospital in F-10, Anwar Ali Safri Eye Hospital in G-9, S.A.R.F Hospital in F-10, Pakistan Kidney Institute in G-10, Noor General Hospital in G-11, City Children Hospital in G-8, Clinics and Diagnostic Hospital in G-13, H.I.S Children and Family Hospital in G-13, Islamabad Animal Care Hospital in E-11, Aesthetic Laser Clinic in F-8, Well Med Clinic and Vaccination Centre in G-11, Shifa Dialysis Unit in G-10 and Golra Hospital in E-11.

The FBR has also sought information on doctors working at the Gynae Clinic in I-10, Rizwan Hospital in G-13, Elixir Hair Transplant and Cosmetic Surgery in F-10, Khyber Hospital in F-15, Surgical Centre in F-8, Dr Mehreen Mujtaba’s clinic in F-8, Agha Khan Health Centre in G-9, K.K.D Orthopaedic Spine Centre in G-8, New Maryam Hospital in G-11 and Chohan Eye Hospital in F-8.

An official from the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) who asked not to be named said it was a fact that many doctors work at public sector and private sector hospitals at the same time but only pay taxes on their salaries from government jobs.

“Doctors who do practice in private hospitals charge thousands of rupees from patients for check-ups and tens of thousands of rupees for surgeries, but do not pay taxes on those incomes,” he said.

“The FBR should look into it and ensure that all doctors and hospitals pay their taxes according to their income,” he added.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2019