Islamabad, December 04, 2019 (PPI-OT): The Standing Committee on National Health Services Regulation and Coordination was held on Wednesday at Parliament House. Chaired by Senator Khushbakht Shujat, the meeting was attended by Senator Prof. Dr Mehr Taj Roghani, Senator Sana Jamali, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Senator Dr. Asad Ashraf, Senator Dilawar Khan, Senator Ghous Muhammad Khan Niazi, Senator Dr. Sikanar Mandhro, Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi, Senator Dr. Ashok Kumar, Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen and senior officers from the Ministry for National Health Services Regulations and Coordination along with all concerned. Advisor to PM on Health, Dr. Zafar Mirza was also present.
Agenda under review consisted complaint against doctors negligence at the Burn Care Center, PIMS, Islamabad by Senator Bahramad Khan Tangi, Adjournment Motion regarding fake clinics and dispensaries operating in Pakistan, Government plans to upgrade 30 hospitals to treat multi-drug resistant TB cases, Public Petition regarding expiry of contract of working staff in Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of Pakistan in PIMS, Public Petition regarding evening classes in medical universities and steps taken by M/O NHSR and C with reference to Seasonal Awareness and Alert Letter (SAAL) for epidemic prone infectious diseases in Pakistan.
The Committee while deliberating over the case of negligence of doctors at the Burns Care Centre PIMS that allegedly caused the death of 26 year old doctor form Nowshera was of the view that a committee be formed to review the matter and a report be submitted in the next meeting. Advisor Health, Dr. Zafar Mirza asserted that hospital reforms are essential to ensure such issues do not arise in the future. He said that universal protocols must be followed and responsibility must be fixed. The Committee stressed the need for formulating SOPs for all medical issues.
The Adjournment Motion regarding fake clinics and dispensaries was disposed off. A list of fake medical enterprises from all over Pakistan was submitted to the Committee. Discussing the plan to upgrade thirty hospitals to treat multi-drug resistant TB, the Committee enquired the criteria for selection of the hospitals. The Committee was informed that the project was being supported by the Global Fund for TB.
Regarding expiry of contract of working staff of Bone Marrow Transplant unit of Pakistan, the Committee was informed that there are 21 posts that fall in this category. The process for recruitment of grade 1-5 has been completed and for the remaining positions candidates would have to qualify the Federal Public Service Commission Examination.
Deliberating over commencement of evening classes in medical colleges, the Committee rejected the proposition unanimously. It was of the view that this would compromise the quality of education; endangering many lives.
Discussing the steps taken by the M/o NHR and C with reference to Seasonal Awareness and Alert Letter (SAAL) for epidemic prone infectious diseases, the Committee asked National Institute (NIH) to submit measures taken to spread awareness during the Dengue crisis. The Committee was informed that the National Institute (NIH) under the guidance of the Ministry for the first time collected real time surveillance data on Dengue.
Chairperson Committee, Senator Khushbakht Shujat appreciated the efforts of the Ministry and said that these endeavours must be bought to this forum, so that the Committee is aware the efforts made to promote health in Pakistan.
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