Latest update February 7th, 2025 8:58 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

No VAT on Medical Services and Prescription Drugs

Mar 18, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has noted with concern a “Peeping Tom” article published in the Wednesday, February 1, 2017 Edition of the Kaieteur News titled ‘VAT! VAT! VAT!” in which the writer erroneously wrote that, “VAT is now chargeable on medical services.” The GRA has subsequently published the revised Zero Rated Supplies (Schedule 1) and Exempt Supplies (Schedule 11) during the month of February, 2017. Yet articles citing VAT on medical services were published on March 8, 2017 and March 9, 2017 titled “VAT on childbirth” and “VAT on SBAs” respectively.
It is very important for the general public to be aware that there is no VAT on medical, dental, hospital, optical or paramedical services in accordance with Paragraph 8 of Schedule II of the Value-Added Tax Act, Chapter 81:05 which states the following: “… Exempted for the purposes of section 18 are a supply of medical, dental, hospital, optical or paramedical services, other than veterinary services…” These services are exempted and as such, persons should not be charged VAT. In addition, Schedule 1 to the VAT Act, paragraph 6 states:
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
The following medical supplies are zero-rated for the purposes of section 17
(a) A supply of medicines and drugs of a kind available only by prescription;
(b) Any of the following medicines for human use –
(i) Analgesics in the form of liquids, tablets, capsules, or other solid dosage forms for oral or rectal use;
(ii) Cough and cold preparations in the form of liquids, tablets, capsules or other solid dosage forms for oral and nasal use;
(iii) Antacids and anti-flatulants in the form of liquids, tablets, capsules and other solid dosage forms for oral use;
(iv) Laxatives in the form of liquids, tablets, capsules or other solid dosage forms for oral or rectal use;
(v) Anthelmintics in the form of liquids, tablets or capsules for oral use;
(vi) Oral rehydration preparations in the form of salts or solution of W.H.O./Pharmacopoeia standards.
(c) Diabetic –
(i) Glucometers (glucose blood test machines) and glucose blood strips made for use with such machines;
(ii) Insulin syringes with needles and devices for the administration of insulin.
(d) Spectacles prescribed by an optometrist in the treatment of the human eye and visual system;
(e) Crutches.

GRA is reminding the media that its Tax Advisory Services Section may be accessed via telephone numbers 227-6060/227-8222 extensions 1201-1204 for clarification on any tax matter of public interest.
Guyana Revenue Authority
Public Relations Unit

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | February, 3rd, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Corbin century, fast-bowlers give CCC lead as champs face stern Day 3 test

Corbin century, fast-bowlers give CCC lead as champs face stern Day 3...

Feb 07, 2025

2025 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 2…GHE vs. CCC Day 2 -Eagles (1st innings 166-6, Imlach 58*) trail CCC by 209 runs  Kaieteur Sports- Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) owned Day 2...
Read More
Powerlifting to kick off year with Novices/Juniors on February 16

Powerlifting to kick off year with...

Feb 07, 2025

North Essequibo cart off ECB Busta-sponsored T20 trophy

North Essequibo cart off ECB Busta-sponsored T20...

Feb 07, 2025

Construction progress of five New Stadiums, Palmyra leading the charge

Construction progress of five New Stadiums,...

Feb 07, 2025

Inclement weather forces BCB to halt cricket competitions in Berbice

Inclement weather forces BCB to halt cricket...

Feb 07, 2025

EBDCA/D&R Construction 40-Over Cricket Competition continues

EBDCA/D&R Construction 40-Over Cricket...

Feb 06, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]