Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has put forward a series of legislative amendments and performance evaluations aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The committee, led by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, convened at Parliament House to discuss these significant changes.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the session addressed several key issues, including the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). The committee decided to refer the agenda to a sub-committee, which is expected to finalize its report within two months. The Minister for National Health Services confirmed that the MDCAT is scheduled for August 16, following the completion of student examinations by July 20.
In the pharmaceutical sector, the Ministry reported the completion of a report on the deregulation of 50% of medicines. Pakistan, which currently exports medicines to 51 countries, aims to expand its reach to 100 countries by achieving WHO Level 3 status. The market data showed that 85% of medicines are manufactured locally, while 15% are imported. A survey of 771 brands indicated varied pricing changes post-deregulation, with some seeing significant price increases. The Chairman emphasized the need for fair private investment practices and referred the issue to the Competition Commission of Pakistan for further review.
The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the National Health Services’ handling of formula milk advertisement regulations. It mandated the inclusion of a disclaimer stating “Mothers Milk is the Best” in all formula milk advertisements and urged the Drug Regulatory Authority to regulate formula milk for infants under 36 months. The committee opposed shifting regulation to provincial food departments, citing concerns over their capacity to manage infant nutrition products.
Additionally, the committee addressed the lack of compliance on a private member bill concerning Electric Nicotine Delivery systems, stressing the importance of public health safeguards and international compliance. The remaining agenda items were deferred to the next meeting.
The meeting was attended by several senators and senior health officials, including the Minister for National Health Services.