The National Assembly's health oversight body voiced significant alarm on Thursday over persistent shortages of critical diabetes medicines and insulin across the country. The meeting, which also covered nursing sector reforms and the performance of a key public health institution, highlighted systemic issues in drug availability and procurement.
Scrutiny on Medicine Shortages and Parliamentary Discounts
Chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA, the Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) examined the implementation of its past directives. Members raised serious questions about the inconsistent supply of specific medicine brands and demanded complete details on the reported shortages. A particular point of contention was the quality of medicines offered at a 30 percent discount to parliamentarians.
Officials informed the committee that samples had been collected for testing—16 from the Parliamentarians’ Dispensary and six from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). The results of these tests are to be presented in the next meeting. The Minister assured the panel that relevant entities would be summoned for a comprehensive briefing on the matter.
The committee further reviewed a pharmacy tender awarded to the Federal Government Hospital at a substantial 69 percent discount. Members sought clarification on whether this significant price reduction was ultimately benefiting the general public or not. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) stated that all procurement adhered to PPRA rules and that inspections were being conducted in coordination with Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) inspectors.
Shift to Preventive Healthcare and Nursing Council Update
Discussions prominently featured the concept of lifestyle medicine and preventive healthcare. The Minister outlined ongoing efforts to transition the national healthcare system from one focused solely on treating sickness to one that promotes overall wellness. In line with this, committee members proposed integrating lifestyle education into medical curricula through the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and provincial syllabi. This proposal has been directed to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
The panel also addressed the Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024. It was noted that with the promulgation of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Ordinance, 2025, the earlier Pakistan Nursing Council Act, 2023, stands repealed. Given assurances about notifying new Council members, the committee disposed of the pending bill.
Health Services Academy's Role and Challenges
A detailed briefing was presented by the Health Services Academy (HSA), recognized as Pakistan's first dedicated public health university. The Vice Chancellor highlighted HSA's academic programs, international collaborations, and its work on One Health initiatives. The Minister underscored the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, partly due to excessive antibiotic use in livestock, and acknowledged HSA's efforts in this area.
Committee members raised pointed questions on several operational fronts:
- Admissions and faculty recruitment processes
- Budgetary constraints faced by the institution
- Use of artificial intelligence and plagiarism controls
- Student representation from Balochistan
- Overall governance matters
HSA officials assured that all admissions and recruitments are strictly merit-based and follow approved procedures, promising to share all relevant documents. The academy also sought the committee's support against misinformation campaigns, alleging that certain private entities are attempting to discredit its performance.
The meeting also touched upon HIV testing surveys, the availability of testing kits, inter-ministerial coordination, and transparency in publishing survey findings. The Ministry assured the committee that earlier concerns were being actively addressed.
The session concluded with the committee appreciating HSA's comprehensive briefing and emphasizing the need for improved coordination between the Ministry and its attached departments. The meeting was attended by several MNAs, including Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, and Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, alongside the Minister for NHSR&C and senior officials from the Ministry, PMDC, and DRAP.
