Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has called for tighter control over formula milk advertisements and an expedited completion of the ongoing pharmaceutical market study. The committee, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, convened at Parliament House to address these issues, among others.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee expressed concern about the impact of formula milk advertisements on public health and the inadequacy of current awareness disclaimers. Chairman Chishti directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to ensure that awareness messages are prominently displayed in both Urdu and English on all channels airing such advertisements. He also emphasized the need for utilizing public service airtime to promote breastfeeding as the best source of infant nutrition.

The Competition Commission of Pakistan updated the committee on its pharmaceutical sector study, which examines medicine pricing and market practices. The committee stressed the urgency of completing the study and called on the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan to cooperate fully. Chairman Chishti highlighted the need for affordable healthcare and a fair pharmaceutical market, suggesting a price-capping mechanism for certain medicines.

Additionally, the committee addressed educational concerns for Balochistan students in a nursing program lacking recognition. The Federal Health Minister assured the committee that the issue would be resolved within a week. The meeting also touched upon pending legislative amendments and the spread of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan, with calls for preventive measures and enhanced public awareness.

Concluding the session, the committee acknowledged the active participation of the Federal Minister for National Health Services in its proceedings, underscoring the role of parliamentary oversight in health sector governance.