Pakistan doctors will go on a nationwide strike on September 30, 2026. Private hospitals and clinics are expected to close during the protest.
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) announced the strike over Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax rules. Doctors are mainly objecting to the mandatory Point of Sale (POS) system.
They also disagree with how healthcare services are being treated under the tax rules. The PMA said representatives from different provinces agreed to support the strike.
Medical establishments across Pakistan have been asked to observe the shutdown.
Why Are Doctors Protesting?
The main dispute is over the FBR’s POS and electronic integration rules. These rules require certain businesses to use electronic invoicing.
Businesses may also need to connect their systems with the FBR’s computerized platform.
The FBR says digital invoicing will improve tax records and compliance. The PMA, however, wants healthcare providers treated differently.
PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said medical treatment is a professional service. He argued that it should not be treated like retail trade.
Doctors have also raised concerns about fines and inspections. The PMA wants the POS requirement for medical establishments to be withdrawn.
What Will Happen on September 30?
PMA Punjab has described the action as a symbolic shutdown. Private hospitals and clinics across Pakistan are expected to join the strike.
The association has asked its district branches to support the action. However, the impact on healthcare services will depend on how many facilities take part.
The PMA has also warned that further action could follow. This could happen if the government does not address its concerns.
PMA Punjab will hold a convention in Gujrat on October 11. Representatives from different districts and provinces are expected to attend.
The meeting will focus on the FBR dispute and possible next steps.
PMA Raised Similar Concerns Earlier
The Pakistan doctors strike September 30 comes after months of objections from the PMA.
In July, the association warned that enforcing the POS system could lead to the closure of healthcare facilities.
Earlier, in February, the PMA asked the FBR to exclude medical providers from mandatory POS and electronic integration rules.
The situation is still developing. The impact of the September 30 doctors’ strike will depend on participation from private healthcare providers.
The government and FBR have yet to resolve the dispute with the medical community.
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