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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
16-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
EdTech offers hope amid crisis
Listen to article EdTech is reshaping the future of education in Pakistan by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and secure digital tools, leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) preparation process, the digital platform is not only enhancing student performance and empowering learners but also demonstrating how digital solutions can tackle persistent challenges in educational testing in an economical way. In the wake of the notorious MDCAT 2024 paper leak, where the integrity of the examination was severely compromised, startup approach to digitised learning and test preparation is emerging as a beacon of hope. The role of technology in addressing systemic issues in educational testing cannot be overstated, especially in a year when repeated leaks and irregularities marred the examination process. In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, the digital platform is transforming how medical entrance exams are approached in Pakistan. Their innovative system has not only improved preparation for the MDCAT but also shown how technology can drive change in an outdated and often flawed system. Reflecting on the impact of the platform, Co-Founder Dr Fahd Niaz Shaikh said, "Our mission is to democratise access to quality exam preparation. Technology is levelling the playing field, ensuring that every student, regardless of their location or background, has access to the best learning resources." The MDCAT exam, essential for aspiring medical and dental students, is considered one of the most competitive and rigorous entrance tests in the country. In 2024, however, it became infamous due to widespread allegations of paper leaks and the subsequent emotional turmoil faced by thousands of students. Many questioned the integrity of the process, and the Sindh High Court's intervention and subsequent order for a retest underscored the urgent need for reforms to ensure fairness and transparency in the examination system. Despite these setbacks, Co-Founder Dr Hasnain Mankani advocated for a more comprehensive approach to student development. "We believe that education is not just about passing exams; it's about fostering lifelong learning. Our platform is designed to engage students in a way that goes beyond the classroom and prepares them for future success." The digital platform's response to the crisis is a model of how edtech can serve as a force for good. Their system not only equips students with top-notch preparation tools but also serves as a learning hub that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and time managementskills crucial far beyond the scope of the MDCAT exam. The startup, was launched in 2021 to help students make comprehensive preparations at lower fees compared to other centres. Around 200,000 students appear in the MDCAT each year, and serves approximately 40,000 annually. Over the past four years, it has trained nearly 150,000 students. It also offers the Abdullah Khattak Scholarship to deserving students and recently introduced testing services for service providers, allowing them to conduct mock tests for MBBS and BDS candidates. The platform's use of AI-powered tools, gamification, and personalised learning experiences has significantly helped students stay engaged and motivated throughout their preparation journeys. The controversy surrounding MDCAT 2024 highlights broader issues facing Pakistan's education system. Rampant paper leaks and inefficient testing processes have eroded public trust. As an edtech leader, envisions a future where technology not only revolutionises learning but also transforms the way exams are administered. Shaikh noted, "The challenges faced by the MDCAT exam in 2024 have shown us that technology can play a crucial role in ensuring exam integrity. By using AI and secure digital tools, we can create a more transparent, fair, and efficient testing process." Both founders believe the education system could benefit from a comprehensive overhaul in how exams are conducted. From digitising exam procedures to introducing biometric verification and randomised question banks, technology offers a wide range of solutions to combat cheating and irregularities. This forward-thinking approach could restore the credibility of exams like the MDCAT and ensure they remain a fair measure of merit. Their journey at NIC Karachi, a leading startup incubator, was instrumental in shaping their vision. The entrepreneurial ecosystem at NIC Karachi provided mentorship and essential resources that helped transform their ideas into impactful solutions. Commenting on the platform, NIC Karachi Project Director Syed Azfar Hussain said, " is a stellar example of how the entrepreneurial ecosystem at NIC Karachi, managed under LMKT, helps startups scale and make a real difference in critical sectors like education. Fahd and Hasnain have leveraged the mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities at NIC Karachi to build this platform that is truly innovative and impactful." He added that the success story of Hasnain and Fahd is a source of inspiration for the growing edtech community in Pakistan. With their innovative approach to medical test preparation, they are proving that technology is not just a tool but a transformative force that can address some of the most pressing challenges in education.
