Scrap taxes on dialysis consumables – Africa Centre to govt

The Africa Centre for Tax Policy Research (ACTOR) is calling on the government to scrap taxes on dialysis consumables.

The Centre bemoans that the additional expenses on the importation of dialysis consumables are usually transferred to patients at higher prices.

In a statement issued on October 4, ACTOR said that currently, dialysis consumable items such as dialyzers, introducer needles, AV fistula needles, blood tubing sets, transducer protectors, single-lumen hemodialysis catheters, double-lumen hemodialysis catheters, and triple lumen hemodialysis catheters incur a minimum of 5% import duty and taxes under the First Schedule of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), as amended, classified under the HS Code heading 90.18.

ACTOR said that the added expenses due to these taxes are often transferred to patients in the form of higher prices.

The center firmly believes that these consumables should be exempt from all taxes and levies to make dialysis treatment more affordable for all individuals suffering from kidney malfunction.

ACTOR further entreated the Ministry of Finance to submit proposals for the amendment of the Customs Act and any other relevant legislation that imposes charges on dialysis consumables.

“Considering this, ACTOR urges the Ministry of Finance to promptly submit proposals for the amendment of the Customs Act and any other relevant legislation that imposes charges on this essential commodity.”

There is a growing public concern among Ghanaians over the new dialysis fee for renal patients.

Click here to read a statement by the Africa Centre for Tax Policy

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