(a) whether the Government gives part exemption of customs duty on M.R.I. equipments imported by corporate Hospitals ;
(b) whether such concessions are denied when such equipments are imported for rural areas;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor ; and
(d) the concessions/exemptions proposed to be given to M.R.I. and other costly imported equipments for use in clinics/dispensaries or hospitals in rural areas to help the poor villagers ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (c) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system attracts a concessional custom duty of 5%. MRI system is also exempt from excise duty and thereby from additional duty of customs (CVD). These concessions/exemptions are available to any importer of MRI system.
(d) A large number of life saving, sight saving, ENT, dental and other medical equipment are already allowed concessional custom duty. A concessional custom duty of 5% with nil CVD is also available to hospital equipment (including MRI system) if imported by hospitals run by Central Government, State Government, Union Territories or any local authority or by a hospital run by a society controlled by such Authorities. No further custom duty concession/exemption for MRI or other costly imported equipment are presently under consideration of Ministry of Finance.