Reduce customs on eye equipment in budget, ophtlamologists urge

Over the years, the basic Customs Duty has been re-imposed to the extent of 7.5 percent to 10 percent, plus IGST of 12 percent plus Cess, thus immensely impacting capital expenditure and operational costs for eye hospitals and consequently the cost of care

Hyderabad: Days ahead of the upcoming Union Budget, the members of All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), representing ophthalmologists from Telangana and other parts of the Country, have urged the Central Government to exempt customs duty and GST on sight-saving ophthalmic equipment.

Over the years, the basic Customs Duty has been re-imposed to the extent of 7.5 percent to 10 percent, plus IGST of 12 percent plus Cess, thus immensely impacting capital expenditure and operational costs for eye hospitals and consequently the cost of care.

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This has also severely dis-incentivized and made it economically challenging to provide subsidized/free eye care, the members of AIOS said

The economic impact of blindness and visual impairment is Rs 1500 billion (Rs 1,50,000 Crores) a year, and 80 percent of blindness and visual impairment can be alleviated, thus resulting in a potential gain of Rs 1,20,000 to GNI annually.

“It is prudent to reinstate exemption of customs duty and GST for ophthalmic sight saving equipment. Exempting customs duty on sight-saving equipment will make these essential requirements for eye care more affordable and accessible to millions of Indians in need. This policy change can significantly reduce the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment, enhance the quality of life for affected individuals, and mitigate the economic burden on society,” Dr. Samar K Basak, president, Dr. Santosh G Honavar, Honorary Secretary; Dr. Manoj C Mathur, Treasurer and other senior office bearers of AIOS said.