Islamabad, April 16, 2026: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) convened on Thursday under the chairmanship of Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA, to deliberate on critical issues concerning medical education, public health challenges, and regulatory reforms.
The Committee reviewed matters related to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and the Ministry’s revised policy for conducting future Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) examinations. Members were informed that the MDCAT would be conducted soon after the conclusion of all FSC Boards and Cambridge examinations nationwide to prevent delays. The Chairman directed the Ministry and PMDC to finalize and announce the examination schedule well in advance, enabling students to prepare effectively. The Committee also sought a comprehensive update on vacant seats, seat allocations, and admissions.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister for National Health Services informed the Committee that approximately 1,100 seats had initially remained vacant despite extended deadlines. However, following coordinated efforts by the Ministry, PMDC, and the Committee, nearly 98 percent of these seats were filled, benefiting around 1,000 students. The Committee appreciated the Ministry of NHSR&C and PMDC for ensuring optimal utilization of available seats.
The Committee expressed serious concern over reported deaths, including suicide cases, in medical colleges—particularly in Punjab and Mirpurkhas. It directed the Ministry to submit a detailed report on such incidents over recent years and to ensure thorough inquiries and the implementation of corrective measures to safeguard student well-being.
Rising HIV cases also came under discussion, with particular attention to Taunsa Tehsil, where 331 cases have been reported. Terming the situation alarming, the Committee sought clarification and directed the Ministry to present a detailed briefing in its next meeting. The briefing will include information on global funding allocations and their utilization. The Ministry was further instructed to strengthen its inspection mechanisms and ensure coordination with provincial departments before finalizing key policies.
The Committee also reviewed the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Ordinance, 2025, recommending that the bill be passed after incorporating necessary amendments.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Farah Naz Akbar, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Dr. Shaista Khan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Aliya Kamran, Dr. Darshan, Sabheen Ghoury, Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, and Chaudhry Muhammad Shahbaz Babar, who joined virtually. The Federal Minister for National Health Services, along with senior officials from the Ministry of NHSR&C, PMDC, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and their attached departments, also participated in the session.
The deliberations underscored Parliament’s commitment to strengthening governance in Pakistan’s health sector through transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking.
