ST. LUCIA-TAX-Health authorities warn VAT is affecting patients acquire much needed medication

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – Five months after St. Lucia introduced a 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), medical officials are warning the Kenny Anthony administration that patients could die because of their inability to meet the increased costs of medication. The St. Lucia Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) is expressing its "deep concern" over the decision to put VAT on medicine, warning of the "dire" social and economic consequences of the new measure. Since the introduction of VAT here on October 1, last year, there have been calls from various quarters for the removal of the tax on medical prescriptions.