The state government's decision to impose 13.5 per cent value added tax (VAT) on mosquito repellents has been criticised by doctors, including those associated with the state chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

The decision was taken on Tuesday and will be effective as soon as the commercial taxes department issues a notification regarding the same. Earlier, there was no VAT on such products.

"How can the government even think of imposing VAT on such things when there are so many cases of mosquito-borne diseases in the state? said Sachhidanand Kumar, president of the state chapter of the IMA. "The incidents of dengue and malaria are rampant. Instead of coming up with measures to tackle the problem, the government has come up with a decision that would be a financial burden on those trying to fight such diseases."

Kumar said: "The IMA would request the government to provide subsidy on such items so that poor people don't hesitate while purchasing the products."

IMA secretary Harihar Dixit said: "The government is looking for ways to generate the revenue it would lose following the liquor ban in the state. However, it clearly overlooked the amount spent in government hospitals to provide proper healthcare to patients suffering from mosquito-borne diseases."

Ajay Kumar, the general secretary of Bihar Superannuated Doctors' Association, and Sunil Kumar Singh, vice-president of the state chapter of the IMA, also criticised the government's move.

Deputy chief minister Tejaswi defended the government's decision. "The government has to execute many programmes for which it requires money. If we do not impose tax on such items, the revenue for the same can never be generated," he said.

Pallavi Gupta, a Kankerbagh resident who tested positive for dengue in September, said: "Imposing VAT on such items, which are necessary for the common public, goes on to prove that the government is being insensitive towards them." A senior official of the State Health Society, on condition of anonymity, said: "The government provides free diagnostic services (test) and drugs to patients suffering from mosquito-borne diseases. Though specific figures regarding the amount spent is not available, but at least Rs 5 crore is being spent on treating dengue and malaria patients every year."

Sushil jibe

Former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi slammed the Nitish Kumar government for increasing VAT on several items, including sweets, cosmetics and sand among others. He said: "The move seems to impose inspector raj in the state. Traders will have to run from pillar to post in the commercial taxes department to register and submit their returns. The construction industry will be badly affected."