Latest news with #RegulationsandCoordination
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- 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
Hans India
02-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Pakistan confirms 11th polio case of 2025
Islamabad: Pakistan has confirmed its 11th case of wild poliovirus this year after the virus was detected in a child from the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination said in a statement on Monday. According to the ministry, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad confirmed the presence of the virus in stool samples collected from a child in Diamer district. The detection came shortly after the conclusion of the third nationwide polio vaccination campaign of the year, which took place from May 26 to June 1. The campaign reached more than 45 million children under the age of five across 159 districts, including high-risk areas, according to health officials. Health officials have urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine, calling the current campaign a vital opportunity to shield children from the crippling virus, Xinhua news agency reported. Pakistan reported 74 polio cases in 2024, according to official data. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus remains endemic. Polio workers have frequently been targeted in attacks, particularly in the northwest and southwest regions. One of the reasons for the presence of the virus is the refusal of the majority of people to have their children vaccinated. Polio health workers have been victims of targeted killings and attacks by militant groups, who have opposed anti-polio campaigns in the country. According to the World Health Organization, Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under 5 years of age. The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (e.g. contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. In 1988, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution for the worldwide eradication of polio, marking the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, spearheaded by national governments, WHO, Rotary International, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, and later joined by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Wild poliovirus cases have decreased by over 99 per cent since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries to 6 reported cases in 2021. Of the 3 strains of wild poliovirus (type 1, type 2 and type 3), wild poliovirus type 2 was eradicated in 1999, and wild poliovirus type 3 was eradicated in 2020. As of 2022, endemic wild poliovirus type 1 remains in two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- 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
28-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Public healthcare facilities: Minister announces plans to initiate PPP model
ISLAMABAD: Amid growing number of patients and poor conditions of government hospitals in the federal capital, Federal Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal announced plans to initiate a public-private partnership model to address the growing pressure on public healthcare facilities. The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination was held under the chairmanship of Amir Waliuddin Chishti, here on Tuesday. The meeting discussed complaint against on duty medical officer (CMO) of Federal Government Services Hospital, Islamabad. Senator Syed Masroor Ahmed expressed serious concern about the dire condition of the Polyclinic hospital and emphasised the need for immediate attention and improvement. He shared his personal observations during a visit, where he witnessed the substandard conditions and expressed concern over the inadequate state of healthcare services. Furthering to this, he pointed out that patients are advised to obtain prescribed medications from outside pharmacies. Kamal, informed the committee that the city is served by two major hospitals and 30 Basic Health Units (BHUs). However, he informed that these facilities are experiencing significant strain, with nearly 70 percent of the population relying on them for medical care. He also noted that many individuals, even those suffering from common ailments such as headaches, are visiting these hospitals despite being able to afford private healthcare, further exacerbating the burden on public health institutions. He also revealed that patients from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa come to Islamabad for treatment in these hospitals. The hospitals which can accommodate approximately 3,000 patients are now serving up to 30,000 patients. Which cause immense pressure on their resources and services. Kamal also informed the committee that they have identified a viable solution to address the growing pressure on public healthcare facilities. He announced plans to initiate a public-private partnership model with the involvement of the private sector on a non-profit basis. He added that work on this initiative is expected to commence within the next 15 to 20 days. The minister further briefed the committee that a Jinnah Medical Complex is being established in Islamabad, which will also be one of the largest medical research centres in the region. The chairman committee inquired about the underutilised hospital buildings constructed during the Covid-19 pandemic with a 266-bed capacity. He questioned why such existing infrastructure was not being utilised effectively. The minister stated that steps are being taken to bring those buildings into operational use. He also shared that several extensions of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) are currently under development across different areas of Islamabad, many of which are nearing completion. The chairman recommended the establishment of an additional hospital in Islamabad, noting that despite the city's population having grown to approximately 2.6 to 2.7 million; it continues to be served by only two major public hospitals. He emphasised the urgent need to expand the healthcare infrastructure in line with the city's increasing population demands. The committee raised concerns regarding alleged corruption and mismanagement in the Pakistan Nursing Council. During a discussion, the Federal Minister for Health, strongly criticised the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), describing it as a 'mafia-like' entity. He stated that while he holds certain verbal authority over the institution, he lacks the formal, written powers required to implement substantial reforms. He added that the institution has been severely mismanaged and has suffered extensive damage due to internal dysfunction. The chairman committee and members extended their full support to the minister, encouraging him to bring forward any proposed legislative amendments necessary to reform the PNC. They assured him of their cooperation in ensuring accountability and institutional improvement. The members, unanimously, agreed that they stand ready to assist in any efforts aimed at restoring transparency and efficiency within the Council. Additionally, the minister suggested an in-camera meeting to present a detailed way forward, outlining actionable steps to transform and improve the functioning of the PNC. The committee was briefed on plan by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) concerning misleading formula milk advertisement that DRAP Act, 2012 and Alternative Medicines and Health Products (Enlistment) Rules, 2014 defines 'baby milk and food' as Health and OTC Products (non-drugs). Furthermore, they told that the matter of dual regulatory framework for the regulation of baby milk and food was agitated at the forum of SIFC and BOI since February 2024 as same can also be regulated by provincial food departments as per their legislation. After several meetings at SIFC and BOI, it was decided to exclude the regulation of the baby milk and food from the domain DRAP and it will be exclusively regulated by provincial food departments and baby milk and foods for special medical needs and treatments will be regulated by DRAP only. Resultantly, amendments in The Alternative Medicines and Health Products (Enlistment) Rules, 2024, have been vetted by the Law and Justice Division and summary is being submitted to CCLC for approval of Federal Cabinet. Following this, after a comprehensive briefing, the committee decided to discuss this in forthcoming in-camera meeting. During the committee meeting, it was noted that the vice chancellor of the Health Services Academy had been officially summoned. However, he failed to appear before the committee and taking serious notice of his absence, the chairman committee recommended that the matter be referred to the Privileges Committee to determine the reason for his non-compliance. The federal minister for health also expressed concern over the vice chancellor's absence, stating that he should have been present at the meeting and no one in the committee was informed of the reason behind the vice chancellor's absence. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Ultra-processed products: Parliamentarians urged to impose taxes
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) urged parliamentarians for imposing taxes on ultra-processed products to curb rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs), said a press release. More than 41 per cent of Pakistani adults are classified as overweight or obese, while over 33 million individuals are living with diabetes. Alarmingly, an additional 10 million people are pre-diabetic. If urgent and decisive policy actions are not taken, projections indicate that the number of diabetes patients in Pakistan could soar to 62 million by 2045. A key contributor to this escalating health crisis is the consumption of unhealthy diets, particularly ultra-processed food and beverage products, which are often laden with excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and trans fats. These dietary patterns are among the most significant modifiable risk factors driving the prevalence of NCDs in the country. In response to the alarming surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across Pakistan, the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) convened a high-level pre-budget sensitization roundtable aimed at galvanizing support from parliamentarians for the imposition of excise taxes on ultra-processed products (UPPs) in the upcoming Finance Bill 2025–26. The event was attended by MNA Saad Balouch, MNA Shafqat Awan, MNA Brig Aslam Ghumman, MNA Ghazala Chitrali, MNA Dr Nelson Azeem, Ex MNA DrNisar Cheema, MNA Saad Baloch, MNA Moazam Ali Khan, Health and nutritionist expert Munawar Hussain and General Secretary PANAH Sana Ullah Ghumman. PANAH emphasised that increasing excise taxes on ultra-processed products is an evidence-based, globally endorsed strategy proven to reduce consumption of harmful foods and mitigate the burden of related chronic illnesses. PANAH called on legislators to take bold action in the Finance Bill 2025–26 by extending excise taxes to include a wider range of UPPs, especially all categories of sweetened beverages and processed snacks. This policy intervention is not only essential for safeguarding public health but also presents a dual benefit: generating additional revenue for the government while reducing the healthcare costs associated with NCDs. These revenues should be earmarked for strengthening public health programs. PANAH shred with the participants that Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has submitted a proposal to increase taxes on ultra-processed products in Finance Bill 2025-26. PANAH seek the support of parliamentarians for public health. Parliamentarians in attendance expressed grave concern over the growing NCD crisis and agreed on the urgent need for preventive strategies, including taxation of unhealthy food and beverage products. They acknowledged PANAH's tireless efforts to protect public health and pledged their support for future policy reforms aimed at reducing dietary risks. Parliamentarians with a renewed commitment by parliamentarians to advocate for pro-health fiscal measures in the Finance Bill 2025–26. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
