Private health providers urge government to cut taxes, ease regulations

Private healthcare providers are calling on the government to review high taxes, import costs, fines and other regulatory challenges affecting the operation of health facilities in South Sudan.

Speaking during an event over the weekend, Dr. Shakir Thomas Eluzia, head of Maxicare Medical and Surgical Complex, raised concerns over taxes and other charges imposed on private healthcare facilities.

Dr. Eluzia called on authorities to streamline regulations and review taxes and charges on healthcare facilities, particularly those related to imported medicines and medical equipment.

“We all want to pay taxes. We need to pay taxes because we want to develop our country. But let the taxes for healthcare not be over-charged. We are doing our job to build life,” he said.

Dr. Eluzia said high operating costs and what he described as unnecessary fines could threaten the sustainability of private hospitals.

He warned that rising losses could force healthcare providers to increase their charges, which could affect patients.

He also urged health authorities to address concerns over inspections and enforcement practices.

Dr. Eluzia said licensed healthcare facilities should be allowed to provide services without what he described as intimidation and harassment.

“We are here to help our people. So, since we are doing something for humanity, and it is approved and licensed by our respectful State Ministry of Health, therefore we should continue to deliver the best we can, without being mistreated,” he stated.

Dr. Eluzia called for the concerns of private healthcare providers to be raised at the state and national levels, including parliament and the presidency.

He said stronger cooperation between the government and private healthcare institutions is needed to ensure South Sudanese continue to access medical services in the country.