NA body urges action on nursing crisis, PMDC reforms

ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination on Thursday highlighted the severe administrative crisis in the Pakistan Nursing Council and called for urgent reforms to address the shortage of qualified nurses.

Chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, the committee urged the prime minister to intervene and resolve the impasse that has been paralysing nursing institutes nationwide.

During discussions on the Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024, moved by MNA Syed Rafiullah, the committee expressed concern over the impact of the deadlock on Pakistan’s healthcare system. Members emphasised the need for a clear roadmap to restore the council’s functionality. The bill was deferred pending requisite information from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination.

The committee also reviewed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, moved by MNA Shaista Pervaiz. It stressed the urgency of regulating psychology to meet the growing demand for mental health services. Both bills were deferred to the next meeting for further deliberation. Amid the discussion, the committee commended the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for its efforts to address discrepancies in the MDCAT 2024 examination. Following the Sindh High Court’s directive, a re-test is scheduled for December, with enhanced safeguards to prevent paper leaks and ensure transparency.

Based on its recommendations, the PMDC informed the committee of ongoing efforts to improve the quality of future MDCAT exams. In addition to legislative matters, the committee raised serious concerns about the deteriorating state of the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, citing outdated equipment, chronic medicine shortages, and substandard patient care. It demanded immediate action to upgrade the hospital’s facilities and improve healthcare delivery.