ISLAMABAD, Mar 03 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination on Tuesday discussed key legislative and policy matters concerning the health sector.
The committee which met under the chairmanship of Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti undertook a detailed consideration of the Private Member’s Bill titled “The Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, 2025.”
Members appreciated the intent and efforts behind the proposed legislation and held an in-depth discussion on its various provisions.
The ministry briefed the committee on objections raised by stakeholders and proposed a complete ban on the use of vapes, citing concerns that such devices may facilitate drug intoxication and noting that the bill does not adequately address taxation aspects.
After deliberation, the committee resolved to incorporate the ministry’s proposed amendments and directed that a comprehensive briefing be presented in the next meeting following the incorporation of these amendments.
The committee also examined the centralized admission policy for private medical colleges. Expressing concern over the existing 50% weightage assigned to the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), members termed it disproportionate and called for a thorough review of the current admission scheme.
The committee urged the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to reassess the structure and rationale of MDCAT and align it with international best practices.
The chairman highlighted complaints regarding overcharging of admission fees beyond the prescribed capped limit and directed PMDC to take strict action against any violations.
The committee further urged the ministry to explore measures for increasing the overall number of medical seats in the country.
The chairman committee also directed the PMDC to consider reducing the MDCAT weightage to 33%, assign 10% to interview and 57% to Matric and FSc, and present a detailed, evidence-based briefing on the matter in the next meeting.
?The issue of licensing for foreign-qualified doctors was also discussed. The chairman committee directed PMDC to facilitate qualified doctors who have successfully cleared the National Registration Examination (NRE) in accordance with the prescribed requirements for the grant of medical licenses.
The committee took up the matter concerning the alleged arbitrary selection by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) of students from Balochistan under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program, instead of those selected through the prescribed process by HEC and PMDC.
The chairman directed PMDC to thoroughly examine the matter and ensure its prompt resolution. Discussion on the starred questions referred to the committee by the House was deferred due to the absence of the mover.