São Paulo – The Brazilian minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, said today (24th) that he is favourable to the lowering of taxes on medical equipment and medication manufactured in Brazil. While attending the Hospitalar fair, in São Paulo, he stated that the idea is not included in the tax reform proposal elaborated by the Brazilian federal government, but underscored that the matter is being discussed between the ministry and the healthcare sectors in the country.
According to Padilha, the ministry is interested in discussing, with state governors, the National Congress and all sectors of society, an agenda turned to the lowering of taxes that will lead to lower prices of medications and healthcare equipment.
During an address at the fair’s opening ceremony, the chairman of the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp), Paulo Skaf, claimed that the Brazilian healthcare industry is losing competitiveness because the tax burden on domestic products is too heavy.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
