Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, met to review key issues including healthcare card provision, medicine pricing, and administrative challenges in hospitals.
The meeting was attended by Senators Syed Masroor Ahsan, Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Dilawar Khan, Anusha Rehman Ahmad Khan, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, and Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, along with officials from the Ministry.
The Committee was briefed on the administrative control of Islamabad Dental Hospital under Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) and the PIMS Act, 2023, which delegates authority to the Executive Director, PIMS.
The Minister informed that a Ministry committee will meet tomorrow to decide whether SZABMU remains under PIMS or another body, with findings to be shared in the next session.
Discussing medicine pricing, the Minister termed it a 'highly sensitive matter' and requested an in-camera session, which was approved by the Chair.
He revealed that the Ministry's budget has been reduced from Rs. 21 billion to Rs. 14 billion, halting all 12 proposed new projects, with only ongoing ones continuing within current allocations.
Senator Anusha Rehman called for a comprehensive healthcare card to ensure accessible medical services nationwide.
Minister Kamal stated that while some provinces have implemented healthcare cards, Sindh is offering free treatment in 16 hospitals but has yet to introduce the card system.
Senator Anusha Rehman also criticized doctors holding administrative positions, insisting they focus on patient care.
Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri highlighted doctors' absenteeism and lack of basic facilities in government hospitals.
Rehman further noted that PIMS faces extreme overcrowding with patients from KP and AJK, urging capacity expansion.
Senator Humayun Mohmand said many senior doctors oppose the health card system due to high consultation fees and irregular attendance. He proposed transferring PIMS administration to another body, citing its Rs. 6 billion annual allocation.
The Committee also discussed the shortage of doctors, as 50-60% move abroad, particularly to Ireland, despite 22,000 graduates annually.
Anusha Rehman urged doubling this output to 44,000 to meet national demand.
The Committee additionally deliberated on restoring credentials for Aesthetic Physicians, recommending inclusion of Senators Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur and Humayun Mohmand in the PMDC Board for expert input.