Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Government Assurances has urged the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to enforce minimum wage regulations for paramedical staff working in private hospitals within the Islamabad Capital Territory. This directive was issued during a meeting chaired by Ms. Nuzhat Sadiq, MNA, held at the Parliament House in Islamabad, amidst concerns over reports of non-payment of minimum wages to these workers.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the committee addressed an assurance made by the Minister for National Health Services regarding wage practices in private hospitals. Although the Ministry argued that the issue lies outside its jurisdiction, officials from the ICT Labour Welfare Department stated that while they implement certain ordinances, existing legal provisions do not specifically cover the enforcement of minimum wages for paramedics in private hospitals.

Efforts are underway to initiate the registration of hospitals and health establishments by the Islamabad Healthcare Authority, which could potentially address the wage issue. Meanwhile, discussions extended to sports, where the committee urged the Ministry and Pakistan Sports Board to ensure adequate support for the Pakistan Hockey Squad in international competitions, following reports of players covering their own expenses for the Asian Champions Trophy 2024.

The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the unfinished roadworks in Islamabad’s rural areas and noted the absence of senior officers from the Capital Development Authority at the meeting. Further discussions on these matters have been postponed to the next meeting.