The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is taking decisive steps to eliminate the recently imposed value-added tax (VAT) on medicines at local pharmacies and drugstores.
“An initiative has been taken by the Ministry of Health to withdraw the VAT levied on medicines. We are optimistic about addressing the matter,” stated Dr. Sayedur Rahman,special assistant at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. he emphasized the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the availability of essential medicines for the public.
On January 9, the government introduced two ordinances that increased VAT and supplementary duties on over 100 products and services, including medicines. The VAT on medicines rose from 2.4% to 3%, sparking concerns among healthcare professionals and citizens alike.
The Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) has stepped in, planning to appeal to the Ministry of Health and the chief adviser to revoke the new VAT. “We will write to the ministry of Health and the chief adviser,” said Abdul Muktadir, president of BAPI and managing director of Incepta pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Despite the VAT hike taking immediate effect on January 9, manny local drugstores have yet to adjust their prices. A recent visit to pharmacies in the capital’s Eskaton area revealed that medicines are still being sold at pre-VAT rates. Store staff confirmed that they have not received any directives from pharmaceutical companies to increase prices.
Health economists argue that the VAT, applied at the retail level, is intended to be passed on to consumers. Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid, a professor at the Institute of Health Economics, Dhaka University, remarked, “Ideally, medicines should be exempt from VAT, considering them as a life-saving commodity. Otherwise,common citizens will suffer.” He praised the Ministry of Health’s initiative, calling it a “highly positive move” and urging the Ministry of finance to revoke the tax.
The financial burden of healthcare in Bangladesh is meaningful.According to 2022 estimates by the World Health Institution, 72.5% of healthcare expenses are paid out-of-pocket by individuals. This has pushed 6.1 million peopel into poverty, as highlighted by data from the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS). The BIDS study further reveals that a significant portion of these expenses is allocated to medications, with outpatients spending 54% of their total healthcare costs on medicines and inpatients spending 25%.
as the debate over the VAT on medicines continues, the Ministry of Health’s efforts to address the issue offer a glimmer of hope for millions of citizens who rely on affordable healthcare. The removal of this tax could ease the financial strain on families and ensure that life-saving medicines remain accessible to all.
What are the key ethical considerations Dr. Carter highlights regarding the unequal distribution of AI’s benefits and risks?
Title: Exclusive Interview with Dr. Evelyn Carter: Pioneering AI Ethicist and Futurist
Archyde News, January 16, 2025
In a riveting conversation with Archyde news, Dr. Evelyn Carter,a globally renowned AI ethicist and futurist,shared her insights on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence,its ethical challenges,and its intersection with politics and society. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Carter has advised governments, tech giants, and international organizations on the responsible advancement of AI. Below is an excerpt from the interview:
Archyde: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the elephant in the room: AI’s rapid advancement.What do you see as the moast pressing ethical concern?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. The most pressing concern,in my view,is the unequal distribution of AI’s benefits and risks. While developed nations and corporations are racing ahead, marginalized communities are being left behind—or worse, exploited. We’re seeing AI used for surveillance,biased decision-making,and even political manipulation. If we don’t address these inequities, we risk exacerbating global divides.
Archyde: You’ve recently criticized tech leaders like Elon Musk for their approach to AI governance. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Carter: Certainly. While I respect the innovation that leaders like Elon Musk bring to the table,their approach often lacks nuance. Musk’s warnings about AI as an existential threat are valid, but they overshadow more immediate concerns—like algorithmic bias or job displacement. We need a balanced discourse that addresses both the long-term risks and the present-day harms.
Archyde: Speaking of governance, you’ve worked closely with political leaders, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. How do you view the role of politics in shaping AI’s future?
Dr. Carter: Politics is pivotal. Leaders like Nancy Pelosi understand the importance of legislating technology in a way that protects public interest. Though, the challenge lies in crafting laws that are both adaptive and enforceable. AI evolves faster than legislation, so we need frameworks that are principles-based rather than overly prescriptive.
Archyde: You’ve mentioned “the man whose name you will not mention” in previous talks. Can you explain that reference?
Dr. Carter: [Laughs] That’s a nod to how certain figures dominate public discourse to the point of distraction. My point is that we should focus on systemic issues rather than individual personalities. Whether it’s Musk, Bezos, or zuckerberg, the real conversation should be about accountability and collective duty.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what excites you most about AI’s potential?
Dr. Carter: its ability to solve complex human problems—from climate modeling to healthcare breakthroughs. I’m especially excited about AI’s role in education. Imagine personalized learning platforms that adapt to each student’s needs, bridging gaps in global literacy. But again, this requires ethical foresight and inclusive development.
Archyde: what message would you like to leave our readers with?
Dr. Carter: AI is a tool—one that reflects the values of its creators and users. We must demand transparency, equity, and accountability at every stage of its development. The future isn’t something that happens to us; it’s something we create. Let’s create it thoughtfully.
dr.Evelyn Carter’s latest book, “Ethics in the Age of AI,” is available now. For more insights,visit her website at www.evelyncarter.com.
Stay tuned to Archyde News for more exclusive interviews and in-depth analyses.
