Latest news with #PNMC
Express Tribune
08-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
PNMC at odds with health ministry
The Federal Ministry of Health and the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) are embroiled in a tug-of-war over various issues. The Acting Secretary of the PNMC has challenged the Ministry's call for an extraordinary meeting of the Council in the Islamabad High Court. The court issued a stay order on the Council's meeting. According to sources, there is an ongoing dispute between the PNMC and the Ministry of Health over several issues. In this context, the Ministry had called an extraordinary meeting of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council on May 3, during which the principal of PIMS Nursing College, Khairun Nisa, was assigned additional charge as Secretary of the PNMC. The Secretary of PNMC, through advocate Taimur Aslam, argued in court that under the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Act 1973-2023, the President of the Council has the authority to call Council meetings. The petition further stated that the PNMC is an autonomous body, and the federal government does not have the authority to interfere in its affairs. The court accepted the petition for hearing, issued notices to the relevant parties, and adjourned further proceedings until May 30. It also issued an injunction to halt the implementation of the office memorandum from May 3. Meanwhile, sources have revealed that a major point of contention is the issue of the Council President's degree, which has led to a case being registered with the FIA.
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.
