GST hits Ernakulam general hospital move to get cancer treatment machine

Kochi: Ernakulam government general hospital is facing a crisis over importing a Linear Accelerator, used for radiation in cancer treatment. Though the machine is expected to reach Cochin Port from England on Friday or Saturday, the hospital has to pay 20 per cent additional GST to get the equipment released. The Linear Accelerator System for Cancer Treatment (LINAC) is more advanced than the traditional radiation method. “The machine worth Rs 7 crore will reach Cochin Port on Friday or Saturday and the commissioning agent has asked us to be prepared to remit '1.4 crore as tax. We are clueless on how to raise the funds and will take a decision in consultation with P. Rajeev and other stakeholders concerned,” said Dr. Junaid Rahman, advisor to the hospital development society.

If the consignment is kept at the Port for long, an additional amount has to be paid as demurrage charges. P. Rajeev has urged the Union government seeking immediate steps to resolve the anomalies in implementing GST on life-saving equipment. The foundation stone for setting up the LINAC was laid in September 2015 when P. Rajeev was a member of the Rajya Sabha and had initiated constituting a group of MPs to financially support the project. Eight Rajya Sabha members gave financial support. The GH has been providing free cancer treatment including chemotherapy to hundreds of financially deprived patients. More than 2000 patients from Ernakulam and neighbouring districts come for cancer treatment to the GH every year.