2 weeks Ago By Monitoring Report
ISLAMABAD - The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) convened on Monday at Parliament House under the chairmanship of MNA Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, to deliberate key issues concerning the country’s health sector, including reforms in medical education, public health coverage, and regulation of processed foods. A major focus of the meeting was the regulatory framework of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
Committee members commended the council’s proposal to standardize annual tuition fees for private medical colleges between Rs. 1.8 million and Rs.
2.5 million, with a cap on annual fee increases at five percent. The Chair emphasized the need for strict enforcement, warning that no medical institution should be allowed to breach this cap.
The Committee was briefed on the progress regarding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). 22-year-old IIU student shot dead in private hostel A unified national curriculum has been developed and made publicly available online. Members requested that the finalized version be shared with the Committee before approval.
Additionally, they voiced serious concern over reported delays and corruption in issuing experience certificates to medical professionals, directing that certificates be processed transparently and without delay. On the Sehat Sahulat Programme, the Committee was informed of a forthcoming ACNEC meeting and a recommendation from a Prime Minister-led committee to target subsidies to those living below the poverty line. Members urged transparency in hospital eligibility and advocated for the programme’s expansion to underserved areas like Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Tharparkar, alongside urgent reforms to tackle manpower shortages and malpractice.
The Committee also considered a proposal to raise excise duty on sugary and ultra-processed foods. The Federal Board of Revenue has reportedly agreed to increase the tax from 20% to 30% as per the Ministry of Health’s recommendation. The Chair directed that the proposal be incorporated in the upcoming Finance Bill and that a final response be submitted before May 2, 2025.
Long queues, no doctors: Rahim Yar Khan’s OPDs shut in protest The absence of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PN&MC) President and Secretary drew sharp criticism from the Committee. Despite being formally summoned, both officials failed to attend. The Committee directed the Health Ministry to take disciplinary action and issue a show-cause notice via the Speaker of the National Assembly.
Concerns were also raised regarding the legitimacy of the PNMC President’s appointment and academic credentials. In legislative business, the Committee deferred “The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2024” due to the absence of its mover but approved “The Islamabad Capital Territory Compulsory Thalassemia Screening Bill, 2025” after amending Clause 4. Two other amendment bills, concerning PMDC and Islamabad healthcare regulations, were reviewed with instructions to address the mover’s concerns by April 24.
Addressing job security concerns for healthcare workers regularized since 2010, the Committee opposed the Establishment Division’s directive requiring fresh FPSC exams. It called for a legal solution to safeguard these employees, asserting that the matter should be escalated beyond the Health Ministry. FOSPAH rules in favour of female journalists The meeting was attended by several MNAs, including Dr.
Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, and others, with some joining virtually.
Senior officials from the Ministry of National Health Services and its departments were also present. Tags: body recommends reforms.
