- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Jan 08 (APP):The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination on Thursday expressed serious concern over shortages of diabetes medicines and insulin, while also reviewing nursing sector reforms and the performance of the Health Services Academy (HSA).
The meeting, chaired by Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, noted inconsistencies in the availability of specific medicine brands and stressed that complete details regarding shortages and discounted medicines provided to parliamentarians should be shared with the committee.
Members questioned the quality of medicines offered to parliamentarians at a 30 per cent discount.
Officials informed the committee that 16 samples had been collected from the Parliamentarians’ Dispensary and six from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), with testing reports to be shared in the next meeting.
The minister assured the committee that relevant stakeholders would be called for a detailed discussion.
The committee also sought clarification on whether a 69% discount granted under the pharmacy tender awarded to the Federal Government Hospital was being passed on to the general public.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) stated that inspections were being conducted in coordination with ICT inspectors, while procurement was carried out in line with PPRA rules.
Lifestyle medicine and preventive healthcare were also discussed, with members proposing the inclusion of lifestyle education in medical curricula through the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and provincial syllabi.
The chair directed that the issue be placed on the agenda of the next meeting. Proposed amendments to the PMDC Act and issues faced by Pakistani medical students abroad were also flagged for future deliberations.
On legislative matters, the committee discussed the Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
It was informed that following the promulgation of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Ordinance, 2025, the Pakistan Nursing Council Act, 2023, stood repealed.
The Ministry of Law and Justice confirmed that the ordinance would be laid before the National Assembly. In view of these developments, the committee disposed of the amendment bill.
The committee received a detailed briefing from the Health Services Academy, where the vice chancellor highlighted its role as Pakistan’s first public health university, its training programmes for in-service doctors, collaboration with UN agencies, and work on One Health initiatives.
The minister drew attention to the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance, particularly due to excessive antibiotic use in livestock, noting that HSA was addressing this neglected area.
Members raised questions regarding admissions, faculty recruitment, budgetary constraints, use of artificial intelligence, plagiarism control mechanisms, representation of students from Balochistan, and governance matters, including approvals related to recent promotions.
The HSA administration assured the committee that admissions and recruitments were conducted strictly on merit and in accordance with due process, and that relevant records would be shared.
Issues related to HIV testing surveys, availability of testing kits, inter-ministerial coordination and transparency were also discussed. The ministry assured members that earlier concerns were being addressed.
The HSA also sought the committee’s support in countering misinformation, stating that false allegations by private entities were aimed at discrediting the institution despite its performance.
The committee emphasised improved coordination between the ministry and its attached departments, appreciated the briefing by HSA, and stressed the need for transparency and timely information sharing before concluding the meeting.