Latest news with #MaheshKumarMalani
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Robust mechanisms stressed to oversee private hospitals
ISLAMABAD: The meeting of Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) was held under the chairmanship of Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani here on Monday. The committee held comprehensive discussions on a broad range of topics, including the regulation of private hospitals, healthcare standards and the functionality of key health institutions. The committee reviewed the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA)'s progress and stressed the need for robust mechanisms to oversee private hospitals. Members expressed concerns about unchecked pricing practices and called for collaboration with provincial healthcare commissions, particularly Punjab's, to establish effective pricing frameworks. The IHRA was directed to provide a complete list of private hospitals, details of regulations and an update on inquiries into specific cases. Addressing accountability, the committee emphasised the need for audits and performance checks for hospitals operating on government-allocated plots. A sub-committee was constituted under the convenor-ship of Dr Amjad Ali Khan with Sabheen Ghoury, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro and Dr Shaista Khan, as its members to examine gaps in IHRA's regulatory framework and oversee agreements with private hospitals to ensure compliance with welfare service obligations. The National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM) presented an overview of its services and challenges, highlighting the need for enhanced infrastructure and resources. Members praised the institute's contributions but raised concerns about hygiene, doctor attendance and patient care. The committee recommended measures to address staffing gaps, improve facility cleanliness and ensure equitable distribution of medical resources. On legislative matters, the committee deferred discussions on 'The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2024' (moved by Abdul Qadir Patel), citing the absence of the minister in charge. However, members agreed to move forward with the deliberations in the next meeting. The mover authorised Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, to present the bill on his behalf. A discussion would then ensue to decide the bill's fate. Significant discussions were held on combating polio and ensuring stringent quality control for pharmaceutical products. Members also addressed discrepancies in the allocation of budgets and emphasised the need for thorough audits and reports on resource utilisation. The chair commended the progress made while underscoring the importance of timely actions and accountability. The meeting concluded with a commitment to advancing healthcare reforms and ensuring that public health services meet the highest standards of care and regulation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Spurious, sub-standard drugs: NA body grills DRAP
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC), Thursday, grilled the Drug Regulatory Authority Pakistan (DRAP) for ineffective monitoring and failure to control the spread of spurious, unregistered and sub-standard drugs across the country. The committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA to discuss various pressing issues related to health, licensing of drugs, homeopathic and alternative drugs as well as three amendment bills. The committee disposed-off 'The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024', moved by Shaista Pervaiz, MNA. Whereas, the debate on 'The Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024', moved by Shaista Pervaiz Malik and 'The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2024', moved by Abdul Qadir Patel, MNA were deferred due to absence of movers. Discussing the matters pertaining to the working and performance of the DRAP, the committee highlighted the acute shortage of resources, pending recruitments and the need for a robust regulatory framework to address pharmaceutical malpractice. It was recommended that rules for filling vacant positions in DRAP be expedited, alongside efforts to strengthen inspection mechanisms for pharmaceutical products and vaccines. Members also stressed the importance of harmonising drug licensing procedures to reduce delays and ensure the availability of quality-assured medicines. The committee urged DRAP to adopt a more proactive approach in monitoring drug efficacy, availability and pricing to safeguard public health interests. The committee members also recommended enhancing the existing penalties for non-compliance of standards. Additionally, the need to prioritize local manufacturing of essential vaccines was emphasised to minimise reliance on imports and ensure a steady supply. The committee commended DRAP for its efforts to digitize the drug licensing application process. It was noted that a standardised harmonised form has been developed to streamline licensing procedures. The committee emphasised the importance of establishing clear and stringent rules for drug licensing to enhance transparency and efficiency. Additionally, the committee directed DRAP to share the finalised licensing rules in the next meeting. Briefing the panel, Dr Obaidullah, chief executive officer (CEO) DRAP said that the organisation was facing serious shortage of staff not only at senior level but junior level, adding that monitoring and controlling of spurious, substandard and unregistered drugs was not only DRAP's responsibility but largely provincial governments' were responsible for it as health after 18th constitutional amendment was a devolved subject. He said that the DRAP was making all possible efforts to ensure effective regulation across the board and to deal with the staff shortage board has sent a summary to the federal government. The committee discussed several issues such as the regulation of food standards, healthcare governance and recruitment practices. The committee members expressed concerns over the Ministry of Science and Technology's delay in addressing unresolved matters related to food product standards, particularly the introduction of front-of-package warnings. Recognising the adverse health impacts of ultra-processed foods, the committee recommended imposing a levy on such products. The revenue generated would support health promotion initiatives aimed at combating non-communicable diseases. The issue of administrative inefficiencies and recruitment delays at institutions such as Polyclinic and the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) was also discussed in depth. Members urged immediate action to ensure transparency and fairness in hiring practices. The committee directed the ministry to submit detailed reports on recruitment processes and measures to enhance institutional accountability in the next meeting. The meeting was attended by MNAs, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Sabheen Ghoury, Farah Naz Akbar, Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Aliya Kamran, Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Shahram Khan, Dr Amjad Ali Khan, Shabbir Ali Qureshi, Azimud Din Zahid Lakhwi in person, whereas, Nisar Ahmed, MNA attended virtually. The minister for NHSR&C, the secretary along with senior officers from the ministry and its attached departments attended the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
22-04-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Absence of PNMC president, secretary: NA body directs ministry to initiate disciplinary action
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel on Monday expressing serious displeasure over the absence of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) president and secretary from the meeting, despite the issuance of formal notices has directed the Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations to initiate appropriate disciplinary action against the officials. The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services and Regulations meeting which held under the chairmanship of Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, discussed the longstanding matters of the PNMC and directed the Health Ministry to take serious notice of the officials over non-attendance and initiate appropriate disciplinary action against them in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures. The committee resolved to issue a show-cause notice through the National Assembly speaker. The members raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the PNMC president's appointment and her academic qualifications. The chair directed the ministry to finalise its response and ensure that a comprehensive decision on the matter, including the president's qualifications and appointment process, be presented before the next meeting. Responding to the questions of the committee members regarding the Sehat Sahulat Programme, the officials of the Health Ministry apprised that a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) was expected within the next 15 days, and that a high-level committee under the prime minister has recommended shifting the programme's coverage to those living below the poverty line, with government subsidies. The committee stressed the need for transparency in determining hospital eligibility and recommended that details of the development or current mode under which the programme would continue be shared with the committee. It also stressed that the programme should be expanded to areas such as AJK and Tharparkar and that manpower issues and malpractices be addressed at the earliest. The committee, while discussing matters related to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and its regulatory framework, especially regarding the longstanding issue of rising fees in private medical colleges, appreciated the uniformity introduced through the PMDC proposal to cap the fee at Rs1.8 million to Rs2.5 million annually, with a maximum five percent yearly increment. However, the chair strongly emphasised that this cap must be strictly enforced and no institution should be permitted to exceed the limit. Regarding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), the committee was informed that a uniform national curriculum had been developed through consensus and was available online. The revised curriculum would be finalised soon, but the committee stressed that it must be shared with members prior to formal approval. The committee expressed serious concern about the delays and reported corrupt practices in issuing experience certificates to medical professionals. It was categorically directed that such certificates be issued without delay and in a transparent manner. The committee reviewed the proposal to increase the excise duty on sugary and ultra-processed foods. It was informed that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had agreed to the Ministry of Health's recommendation to raise the duty from the existing 20 percent to 30 percent. The chair directed that the proposal be included in the upcoming Finance Bill and reiterated to the FBR that this must be ensured. The Committee requested that the final response from the FBR be submitted before May 2, 2025. Regarding 'The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024' and 'The Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024' (moved by ShaistaPervaiz, MNA), the chairman of the committee instructed the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) to hold a separate meeting with the mover without delay, address all outstanding concerns, and ensure her satisfaction prior to April 24, committee deferred 'The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2024' (moved by Abdul Qadir Patel, MNA) due to absence of the mover. The committee, unanimously, approved 'The Islamabad Capital Territory Compulsory Thalassemia Screening Bill, 2025' (moved by Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam, MNA) with amendment to clause 4 of the bill that was unanimously agreed to be removed. The Ministry of Law and Justice as well as the Ministry of NHSR&C were on the same page and did not give a nod of approval. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
NA panel flags exorbitant MBBS fees
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services on Tuesday took serious notice of the exorbitant fees charged by private medical institutions in the country. It directed the Ministry of Health and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to share their remarks on the issue at the next committee meeting. The committee also urged the ministry to review this policy to ensure a fair and transparent process for all students. It noted that it was going to take a decision on the matter soon. The committee also discussed the Thalassemia Screening Bill 2025, which aims to prevent thalassemia by making premarital testing mandatory for both partners in Islamabad. The committee acknowledged the severe health implications for children born with thalassemia major and agreed that the issue needed to be addressed. To advance legislation, written responses on the legal implications of this proposal will be sought from the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Health. The meeting of the standing committee was chaired by MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani. One of the key issues discussed was the ongoing problems within the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC). The chairman of the committee voiced concern that despite over 16 meetings held to address issues related to the PNMC, no significant progress had been made. The minister pledged that the ministry would swiftly take action to resolve the matter and clear any misunderstandings surrounding it. Concerns were also raised regarding the accreditation of nursing colleges, particularly some institutions that were falsely certified.
