Islamabad: In a recent meeting, the Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, led by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA, highlighted the pressing need for reforms in Pakistan’s healthcare sector. The committee discussed several issues, including the Pakistan Nursing Council’s performance, mental health service improvements, and the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital’s operations in Islamabad. Additionally, preparations for the MDCAT retest in 2024 were reviewed.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the committee examined the “Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” introduced by Syed Rafiullah, MNA. The committee emphasized the urgent need to resolve the ongoing crisis affecting nursing institutes, which has worsened the shortage of qualified nurses. There was a unanimous call for the Prime Minister’s intervention to address the administrative challenges. The bill was deferred pending necessary information from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.
Further, the committee deliberated on the “Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024” and the “Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” presented by Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, MNA. The need to regulate the profession of psychology was highlighted to ensure proper certification of mental health professionals. Both bills were postponed to the next committee meeting.
The committee also recognized the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) efforts in addressing discrepancies in the MDCAT 2024 exam. The retest, scheduled for December 2024, will incorporate the committee’s suggestions for transparency, including stringent venue monitoring and improved question formulation processes.
Concerns about the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital’s facilities were also raised. The committee demanded immediate improvements in the hospital’s infrastructure and service availability to enhance patient care and satisfaction.
Looking forward, the committee reiterated its commitment to equitable healthcare access, urging a comprehensive review of healthcare policies, especially concerning mental health and nursing. The committee called for prioritizing health reforms as a fundamental right for all citizens, aiming to ensure that healthcare access is not limited by socioeconomic status. The meeting was attended by multiple MNAs and senior officers from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.