NA Body Warns PMDC to Strictly Enforce Fee Cap in Medical Colleges
News Desk
Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination convened on Monday to review the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC)’s regulatory framework and related matters.
The meeting, chaired by MNA Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, focused on several pressing issues, including the persistent rise in fees charged by private medical colleges. The Committee welcomed PMDC’s proposal to cap annual tuition fees between Rs. 1.8 million and Rs. 2.5 million, with a maximum 5 percent annual increase. The chair stressed that this cap must be strictly enforced and no institution should be allowed to exceed the limit.
On the issue of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), members were informed that a uniform national curriculum had been developed through consensus and is currently available online. The revised version is expected to be finalized soon. The Committee emphasized that the updated curriculum must be shared with members before formal approval.
The Committee also expressed serious concern over delays and reported corrupt practices in the issuance of experience certificates to medical professionals. It was categorically directed that such certificates be issued promptly and transparently.
In an update on the Sehat Sahulat Programme, officials informed the Committee that a high-level committee under the Prime Minister had proposed limiting coverage to citizens living below the poverty line, with government subsidies.
A meeting of the ACNEC is expected within fifteen days to finalize the plan. The Committee called for transparency in hospital eligibility criteria and recommended that full details of the programme’s future implementation be shared.
It also urged the expansion of the programme to underdeveloped areas such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Tharparkar, while addressing manpower shortages and malpractice concerns.
During discussions on public health measures, the Committee reviewed a proposal to increase excise duty on sugary and ultra-processed foods. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has agreed to raise the current 20% duty to 30% as recommended by the Ministry of Health. The chair directed that this proposal be included in the upcoming Finance Bill and requested a final response from the FBR by May 2, 2025.
Regarding the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PN&MC), the Committee expressed strong displeasure over the absence of its President and Secretary, despite formal notices and summons.
It directed the Ministry of National Health Services to take disciplinary action against them and issue a show-cause notice through the Speaker of the National Assembly. Members also questioned the legitimacy of the PNMC President’s appointment and academic credentials. The ministry was instructed to finalize its inquiry and present a comprehensive report in the next meeting.
The Committee also reviewed legislative matters. It instructed the Ministry of Health to urgently engage with MNA Shaista Pervaiz, the mover of “The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024” and “The Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” to address her concerns ahead of the April 24 deadline.
Meanwhile, “The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2024” (moved by MNA Abdul Qadir Patel) was deferred due to the mover’s absence.
The Committee unanimously passed “The Islamabad Capital Territory Compulsory Thalassemia Screening Bill, 2025,” moved by MNA Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam, with Clause 4 removed as agreed by all stakeholders. However, both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Law and Justice refrained from endorsing the bill.
In another significant matter, the Committee raised concerns over the job security of thousands of healthcare professionals regularized under the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s 2010 decision. The recent Establishment Division directive suggesting fresh FPSC tests posed a potential threat to these employees.
The Committee urged the Ministries of Health and Law and Justice to explore legal avenues to protect their services, stressing that the issue extends beyond the Health Ministry’s jurisdiction and warrants high-level intervention.
