Health Ministry to discuss GST issue with Customs next week

The Health Ministry will hold a discussion with the Customs Department next week to resolve issues related to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on professional fees for consulting a doctor at a private hospital.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the ministry would represent private hospital doctors to give their views on the matter to the Customs.

"Customs has set some new guidelines, so we tell them what doctors in private hospitals think about such guidelines. I hope through the discussion, the Customs may issue clearer guidelines," he told reporters after attending the Indian Women Strategic Leadership programme organised by the Special Implementation Task Force (SITF) under the Indian Community Affairs Cabinet committee here Sunday.

He was responding to reports that the medical fraternity wanted to initiate legal action against the government for imposing GST on payments to doctors for consultation and procedures at private hospitals.

Meanwhile, Dr Subramaniam, who is also chairman of the SITF said the role of women in leadership positions was also important to realise the government's vision of reaching out to the community, especially women.

He said the factor of more women entering institutes of higher learning institutions than men, has led them to be more active in the areas of leadership and careers which are dominated by men.

"It shows there is a change in the demographics of the country and in line with these changes, definitely (there are) requests from women that they be given greater responsibilities in line with their development and improvement. It is a reasonable request.

"The demand for women to be given specific roles such as membership in the local authorities and seats to contest for in the election must be given attention because through them we can get 50 per cent of the voters, from women," he said.