Karachi: Dental practices across the metropolis are being raided by the Sindh Revenue Board, Government of Sindh. Dental clinics are being urged to register their practice according to the Sindh Sales Act 2011.
According to the Act, any services provided by the clinic that the board considers “cosmetic” or “aesthetic” would require patients to pay a handsome amount of tax, when obtained.
However, the services that SBR might consider cosmetic may fall under essential dental services. The Act states that cosmetic or aesthetic surgery, including plastic surgery, cosmetic dental surgery, orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry all fall under aesthetic procedures.
The NHS (National Health Service), England’s national health care providing body, allows for certain essential dental procedures to be provided to British citizens, that would like to attain public sector healthcare services at reasonable costs.
Apart from root canals, crowns, bridges and dentures, these included orthodontic procedures as well. According to the NHS, if a maligned dentition causes discomfort to the patient, or hampers their daily life, as well as the position and function of the teeth, orthodontic procedures in those circumstances becomes an essential service.
Maligned teeth can affect circulation in the gums, affect breathing patterns, and also increase the incidence of dental caries in the mouth.
SBR’s imposed tax on orthodontic procedures is an issue of grave concern for those that will consider orthodontic treatment, a far-fetched option in the improvement of their daily eating habits and lifestyle. The Act should be reevaluated to allow patients the freedom to attain orthodontic treatment with ease.