ISLAMABAD:
A Senate panel on Tuesday called for stricter monitoring of drug pricing and a standardized, internationally adapted medical access system, warning that uncontrolled costs and flawed criteria are driving students abroad and draining nearly $800 million in foreign exchange annually.
The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, addressed the rising pharmaceutical prices and medical education standards, with lawmakers calling for immediate corrective measures across both sectors.
Senator Rubina Khalid expressed concern over the high prices of pharmaceutical products in the market. The Executive Director of DRAP briefed the committee on the pricing mechanism and committed to provide a detailed report within the next 14 days.
He further informed that a survey covering 50% of the pharmaceutical products available in the market would be conducted. The chairman of the committee agreed with the concerns raised by the member and ordered that a comprehensive report be presented at the next meeting.
The committee was also briefed on the entrance examination criteria for medical and dental schools in various Asian countries. The chairman ordered that the international criteria be followed in this connection.
The Union Minister for NHSR&C noted that in some foreign countries even students who have failed at FA level manage to secure admission in medical institutions. He further noted that less than 1% of foreign qualified candidates are able to pass the NRE exam. He emphasized the need to create awareness that not everyone can practice a medical profession.
The PMDC president informed the committee that last year some seats were vacant and were filled according to a certain formula.
The chairman of the committee recommended that the ministry fill up the vacant MBBS and BDS seats this year, including those still unfilled today, following the same formula as last year.
The committee also expressed concern over the increase in mandates in certain institutions.
The minister explained that seat enhancements in specific specialties are being considered to counter the trend of students seeking medical education abroad.
He further informed that a cap on seat enhancement has been imposed for three years after 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 the Nursing Council Act has now been implemented after a long-term effort, and that elections have been held for chairman and deputy chairman.
The chairman acknowledged and appreciated the minister’s efforts in that regard.
Noting that a significant number of students continue to seek education in various Asian countries, the committee chairman stressed that they should instead be accommodated in Pakistan at PMDC-recognised institutions.
He called for an increase in government seats and stressed the need to strengthen both public and private colleges to deliver quality education locally thereby saving foreign exchange.
Highlighting the economic implications, the minister noted that this outflow of students results in an annual foreign exchange loss of about $800 million.
