Medicines will not be affected by VAT: Health Minister

Manama, Dec. 25 (BNA): Health Minister Faeqa Saeed Al Saleh hailed the Royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to review the Value-Added Tax (VAT) application mechanisms during the trial period and observe the citizens needs through the exemption of basic commodities and services. The Ministry of Health will take all the necessary measures to ensure that no VAT is collected on health services including medicines and medical essentials, said the minister. Al Saleh pointed out that the health sector represents a national priority to serve the citizens and that the Health Ministry exerts all available energies and capabilities to upgrade the quality of health services provided to everyone in the Kingdom emanating from the ministry's keenness on the provision of the best medical treatment services to satisfy the requirements of the citizens and directly catering to their needs. The Minister of Health affirmed that the patients interest comes first and foremost and this is achieved through the ministry's implementation and application of its modernisation plans and projects mainly aimed to uplift the health services provided to everyone.