The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chisti, convened Tuesday at the Parliament House. The Committee members engaged in an extensive discussion regarding the compliance report based on the Committee’s previous meeting held on October 9, 2024. After a thorough update on the increase in the number of dental colleges, the Minister of State, Coordinator to the Prime Minister, informed that starting next year, candidates appearing for the MDCAT will only be eligible for registration.

The Committee members raised concerns about the authenticity of institutes, mentioning that although large colleges are established, students often struggle to obtain their attestations from these institutions.  The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Amir Waliuddin Chisti, recommended the implementation of a uniform MDCAT system across the country. He emphasized that the tests should be IT-based, as paper leaks often lead to malpractice. The Minister of State highlighted that achieving uniformity would require standardizing the curriculum across provinces.

Senator Irfan ul Haq Siddiqui argued that uniformity in the curriculum could contradict basic educational principles. He also raised concerns about the increasing fee structure, stressing that the PMDC must address this issue within its domain.   He further recommended examining the fee increases and establishing a mechanism to control them. The Committee members unanimously called for resolving the issue of escalating fees and for cross-checking the discrepancies in the system that exploit and negatively impact poor students. 

 The Chairman of the Committee recommended conducting a cost analysis of private sector fee structures and suggested a surprise visit by Committee members to the PMDC to assess the situation on the ground. Chairman Committee further stressed that the fee structure should be according to a rationale set by the Ministry. Additionally, he proposed that the Committee gather details from colleges regarding those that do not provide CSR scholarships. 

The Committee also discussed the Private Member’s Bill, "The Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2025," introduced by Senator Mohsin Aziz during the Senate session on January 20, 2025. Senator Aziz highlighted that the Bill aims to regulate diagnostic centers and address the significant variation in prices at laboratories, where charges can differ by 50% to 100%.   He stressed the need for the Bill’s implementation as it serves the public interest, noting that without fixed rates and prescriptions, patients often end up paying more. The Committee was informed that a new team will decide the framework for pricing different tests within the next month.

The Minister of State suggested holding the Bill in abeyance for a month until new reports are received and any issues or gaps are addressed.  Similarly, the Private Member's Bill, "The Pakistan Psychological Council Bill, 2025," introduced by Senator Kamran Murtaza, was discussed. Senator Murtaza reiterated that the Bill has already been passed by the National Assembly Law and Justice Committee and referred to the Senate Committee. After a discussion on the legal aspects of the Bill, the Minister of State explained that the government is currently rightsizing, merging nursing services, and consolidating different councils for efficiency.

He also mentioned that practices, including those of psychologists, will be regulated.  The meeting was attended by Senators Syed Masroor Ahsan, Mohsin Aziz, Fawzia Arshad, Irfan ul Haq Siddiqui, Kamran Murtaza, Palwasha Yousafzai Khan, Liaqat Khan Tarakai, Special Invitee Former Deputy Chairman Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Minister of State, Coordinator to the Prime Minister, Consultant to SSC on NHSR & C, Special Secretary, M/o National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, President PMDC, and senior officials from relevant departments.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)