Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination (NHSRC), chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, convened a meeting at the Parliament House to tackle pressing issues in the healthcare sector. The committee took stern notice of the MDCAT paper leak that occurred on September 22, 2024.

According to Senate of Pakistan, officials from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) initially denied allegations of the paper leak. However, following a complaint filed by MDCAT students with the Sindh High Court, the court suspended the results announced by Dow University of Health Sciences and established a committee comprising the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), two Secretaries, and a PMDC nominee. The FIA forensic report later confirmed that the MDCAT exam paper was leaked 13 hours before the scheduled time. In response, Senator Chisti directed the PMDC to present a future plan for MDCAT exams by December’s end, suggesting IT-based exams and the public release of a ‘Question Bank’ to prevent cheating and address ‘Out of Syllabus’ concerns.

The committee also discussed the varying charges for laboratory tests. Senator Mohsin Aziz highlighted the disparity in prices, noting differences in costs for tests like the lipid profile and urine test. Although officials stated that the Act does not empower the regulator to control private sector prices, the committee recommended making it obligatory for private laboratories to display test prices prominently.

The committee addressed complaints from doctors against the Executive Director of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on charges of racism, nepotism, workplace harassment, and misuse of government power. A total of 26 doctors submitted grievances, alleging the Executive Director hindered their promotions and residence allocations based on bias. The Executive Director refuted these allegations. The committee suggested forming a body to investigate these complaints and submit findings to the Senate Health Committee.

Regarding the black marketing of contrast injections used for CT scans, NHSRC officials assured that the product is available in markets and hospitals without any shortage.

Senator Chisti expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of the Pakistan Nursing Council President and mandated her attendance at the next meeting. The session was attended by several senators, senior officials, and representatives from relevant departments.