The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, took up rising pharmaceutical prices and medical education standards, with lawmakers urging immediate corrective measures across both sectors.
Senator Rubina Khalid expressed concern over the high prices of pharmaceutical products in the market. The CEO of DRAP briefed the committee on the pricing mechanism and committed to furnishing a detailed report within the next 14 days.
He further informed that a survey covering 50% of pharmaceutical products available in the market would be conducted. The chairman of the committee endorsed the concerns raised by the member and directed that a comprehensive report be presented in the next meeting.
The committee was also briefed on the entry test criteria for medical and dental colleges in various Asian countries. The chairman directed that the international criteria be followed in this regard.
The federal minister for NHSR&C observed that, in some foreign countries, even students who have failed at the FA level manage to secure admission in medical institutions. He further noted that less than 1% of foreign-qualified graduates are able to pass the NRE examination. He emphasised the need to create awareness that not everyone can pursue a medical profession.
The PMDC president informed the committee that last year, some seats were left vacant and were filled according to a certain formula.
The chairman of the committee recommended that the ministry fill the vacant MBBS and BDS seats this year, including those still unfilled as of today, using the same formula applied last year.
The committee also expressed concern over the increase in seats in certain institutions.
The minister explained that seat enhancements in specific specialities are being considered to address the trend of students seeking medical education abroad.
He further informed that a cap has been imposed on seat enhancement for three years, under which no college will be allowed to increase its intake.
The Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) informed the committee that, after prolonged efforts, the Nursing Council Act has now been put in place, and elections for the president and vice president have been conducted.
The chairman acknowledged and appreciated the minister’s efforts in this regard.
The committee chairman observed that a significant number of students continue to seek education in various Asian countries, stressing that they should instead be accommodated within Pakistan at PMDC-recognised institutions.
He called for an increase in government seats and emphasised the need to strengthen both public and private colleges to deliver quality education locally, thereby conserving foreign exchange.
Highlighting the financial impact, the minister noted that this outward flow of students results in an annual foreign exchange loss of around $800 million.