MNAs demand action as NA panel take up ‘conflict of interest’ in IHRA

ISLAMABAD: Concerned over alleged conflict of interest in the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), members of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) Friday demanded immediate corrective measures by the federal health ministry.

The lawmakers raised alarm after allegations that several IHRA board members own private medical colleges and hospitals, raising questions about the impartiality of regulatory decisions.

Chairing a meeting at the Parliament House, Chairman Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani questioned how the IHRA could enforce standards when its board members had direct commercial interests. MNA Zahra Wadood Fatemi flagged this ethical breach, and the special health secretary confirmed that the IHRA had the authority to inspect such facilities.

In a parallel concern, MNA Shaista Pervaiz criticised the unchecked proliferation of psychiatric clinics and drug rehabilitation centres, citing the lack of regulation even years after the Noor Mukadam case. “Every street has a psychiatric clinic, but no one is regulating who can call themselves psychiatrist,” she said, lamenting that her mental health legislation had been ignored for months.

Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal pledged support, while DG Health Dr Shabana Saleem noted that allied health councils currently oversee psychologist licensure.

Tempers flared over the conduct of Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PN&MC) secretary, who allegedly made baseless accusations against the MNAs. The committee chair ruled that the secretary had no authority to malign parliamentarians and called for a formal probe.

The committee suggested writing to the prime minister for accountability and directed Health Minister Mustafa Kamal to take legal action and report back.

The committee also debated the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill 2024 and Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2024, both moved by MNA Shaista Pervaiz. Concerns were raised over the lack of regulation in mental health services and private rehab centres. The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill 2024 by MNA Abdul Qadir Patel was deferred in the mover’s absence.

Lawmakers further expressed outrage over the reinstatement of a doctor at the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM), despite prior harassment findings against him in 2022 and the committee’s recommendation for his removal.

The doctor defended himself by presenting staff absenteeism records and claimed his strict discipline was the root-cause of the backlash. The minister assured that the doctor would return to his ENT specialist role.

The committee also addressed allegations of recruitment irregularities at IHRA, with reports suggesting appointments were made in violation of advertised criteria. The minister was urged to take swift remedial steps.

Minister Mustafa Kamal briefed the committee on broader reforms, asserting that the public would soon witness visible improvements in healthcare delivery. He confirmed that an FIR had been lodged against officials of the Pakistan Nursing Council and reiterated his commitment to resolving the crisis.

“We don’t want another Kalabagh Dam scenario. We’ll fix this responsibly,” he said, adding that the council’s president and secretary had overridden decisions made by nursing representatives.

MNA Rafiullah slammed the ministry for slow responses to corruption, accusing entrenched mafias of manipulating the system. He welcomed the FIA’s registration of a case and urged further accountability.

Responding, Minister Kamal said certain disclosures would cause institutional damage if made public now. “If I speak today, it won’t be good for anyone. Give me a few weeks,” he said, pledging action soon. The meeting called for swift implementation of reforms and regular follow-up sessions to ensure accountability across the health sector.