The Pacific Specialist Healthcare CEO, Pravish Kumar has called for tax incentives for health providers serving both; local and foreign patients.
Kumar proposed this during the Nadi Chamber of Commerce Business Forum where he suggested that there should at least be a VAT waiver or a VAT refund scheme, similar to the existing Tourism VAT Refund scheme.
He says VAT refund or waiver for medical tourism will give the industry a further price point advantage on global platforms and for locals, it will reduce out-of-pocket expenditure further.
Kumar highlights the need for medical investment incentives to support local healthcare providers in enhancing their services and the importance of government support for charitable foundations that offer free medical procedures to those in need.
The CEO also emphasised that saving one life can mean saving an entire family and stressed that the work of the PSH Foundation goes beyond charity. He further says that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce and every dollar invested prevents disability or premature death, which saves far more in social welfare, lost productivity and downstream healthcare costs.
Kumar is seeking the support of both government and corporate donors to champion this cause and call for dedicated tax exemptions for companies contributing to such healthcare foundations.
He also highlighted that as discussions around the upcoming fiscal budget continue, it is important to remember that health is not just a line item, it is the foundation of every other sector, from tourism to agriculture to education. The CEO says there is a need for the government to explore public-private partnerships with providers like theirs to manage sub-divisional hospitals, specialist units, and island outreach.
He adds that let's make Fiji not only a paradise for visitors but a place where every citizen, rich or poor, can access world-class healthcare, right here at home.
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