News Detail
Event Title: Senator Muhammad Hamayun Mohmand, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Presiding over a Meeting of the Committee at Parliament House Islamabad
Event Date: 2023-10-05
Meeting of Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services Regulations and Coordination was held here at Parliament House on Thursday with Senator Dr. Muhammad Humayun Mohmand in Chair.
The Senate body taken up the matter of malfunctioning of the AC system in OPD, Emergency ward and Children's OPD at PIMS and Polyclinic Hospital which resulted in the tragic death of patients. Senator Kamran Murtaza and Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmed (Late) raised this issue, as reported in Daily Dawn on 25th June. Officials highlighted that a project worth Rs. 725 Million was approved in 2018 for upgrading the Ac systems in PIMS, with an estimation completion period of two years. Unfortunately, the project hasn't been completed so far. PWD officials stated that project couldn't complete due to change in the PC-I at later stages and the closure of LC's for the past six months. However, contractor pointed out that the responsibility for LC's opening lies on Hospital as per contract. Caretaker Minister stated that project delayed due to poor management and lack of ownership demonstrated by the concerned authorities. The committee was of view that the individuals involved in delaying the project should be held accountable and directed the PWD to resolve the matter in the next fifteen days.
Furthermore, The committee deliberated on the recent wave of dengue in ICT. The DHO of ICT mentioned that dengue cases have drastically decreased in 2023, with only 1230 cases reported compared to 6400 cases in 2022. He also noted that no deaths occurred due to dengue in 2023. He added that the Health department, in collaboration with the ICT administration, has been engaged in an awareness campaign to advise citizens about the necessary precautions for preventing dengue. The Committee appreciate the District Health department for their endeavours in dengue prevention.
The Senate Committee was briefed on the passing percentage of the 'National Registration Examination' held on 6th August. Chairman PMDC explained that the passing percentage has been set at 70 percent for a long time and was temporarily lowered to 50 percent. However, the limit on the number of attempts has been removed. Students maintained that the passing percentage was increased overnight. Senator Dr. Muhammad Humayun Mohmand highlighted that PMDC had increased the passing score from 50 to 70 percent without providing sufficient grounds and emphasized that PMDC should reconsider the passing criteria in line with international practices. He also directed that PMDC should organize the calendar of exams for the following year.
While discussing the issue of the use of illegal means in the MDCAT exam in KPK, conducted by ETEA, the Chairman of PMDC apprised that PMDC had held a meeting with ETEA. It was assured by ETEA that the exams were conducted fairly, and the students involved in using unfair means have been apprehended. Chairman PMDC further informed that the matter is sub judice, and it will be resolved soon. The Committee directed that the matter should be referred to the FIA so that the accused could be held accountable.
Additionally, the committee discussed the percentage quota specified for foreign students at Dow International Medical College Karachi. Chairman PMDC highlighted that Dow Medical College has been charging fees in dollars from their students, and the irony of the matter is that no one has been able to identify this for so long. The Chairman Committee directed the PMDC to conduct inquiry and submit report within six weeks.
The meeting was attended by Senator Prof. Dr. Mehr Taj Roghani, Senator Sana Jamali, Senator Rubina Khalid, Senator Jam Mahtab Hussain Dahar, Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Senator Fawzia Arshad, Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwrdi Taimur, Senator Asad Ali Khan Junejo, Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan and other senior officers of health ministry and relevant departments were also in attendance.