Islamabad : The Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA, at Committee Room.
- 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’s (IHRA) 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. 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 emphasized the need for audits and performance checks for hospitals operating on government-allocated plots. A Sub-Committees was constituted under the convenership of Dr. Amjad Ali Khan, MNA with Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro and Dr. Shaista Khan, MNAs, 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 Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel, MNA), citing the absence of the Minister in charge. However, members agreed to move forward with the deliberations in the next meeting. The Mover authorized Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, MNA, 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 emphasized the need for thorough audits and reports on resource utilization. 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.
The meeting was attended by MNAs, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Dr. Shaista Khan, Dr. Darshan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Ms. Aliya Kamran, Mr. Shahram Khan, Dr. Amjad Ali Khan, Mr. Shabbir Ali Qureshi, Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel in person whereas, Mr. Azim ud Din Zahid Lakhwi and Dr. Nisar Ahmed, MNA attended virtually. The Minister for NHSR&C, Secretary M/o NHSR&C along with senior officers from the M/o NHSR&C and its attached departments also attended the meeting.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
