The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has opposed introduction of electronic tax invoice management systems (eTIMS) in the health sector by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
According To President Kenya Medical Association Dr Simon Kigondu and CEO Dr. Brenda Obondo, doctors are raising a great concern that the electronic tax system e-tims might compromise patient confidentiality, data privacy and security which will arise from giving external access to a third party and having to provide sensitive information through medical services invoices.
“KRA should suspend eTIMS rollout in the medical sector and exempt doctors, pharmacists, dentists and hospitals from using it, the doctors association said that,” We are giving KRA seven days to allow for room for discussion and agree of complete exemption from use by medical practioners and the sector.”
The medical association argues that the move by the taxman is in breach of the constitution and confidentiality since the information captured will be bound to violation privacy.
“With introduction of the eTIMs through the finance act 2023 KRA seeks to force medical practioners to disclose data through eTIMs including patients name, sex, hospitalization and treatment details through the system.”
They say raise concerns over use of invoices as evidence of income saying that is misleading saying that it only subject doctors and healthcare facilities to advanced taxes on income not earned leading to disruption in cash flows and operations.
