The committee also expresses concern over reported deaths, including suicides, at medical schools
MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani. Photo: File
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) on Thursday called the rising HIV cases in the country, especially in Taunsa tehsil, alarming and directed that a detailed briefing be presented in the next meeting.
The committee highlighted the situation in Taunsa where 331 cases had been reported and sought clarification on the matter.
In 2025, a Tehsil headquarters hospital in Taunsa was linked to an HIV outbreak among children. Despite the Punjab authorities promising a crackdown, on Monday, BBC investigations revealed that unsafe practices continued to put children at risk.
The committee met today under MNA Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani’s chairmanship to discuss key issues relating to medical education, public health challenges and regulatory reforms.
Read more: Teacher arrested in suicide case
Expressing grave concern over reported deaths, including suicide cases, in medical schools, particularly in Punjab and Mirpur Khas, the committee directed the ministry to submit a detailed report on such incidents in recent years and ensure that thorough investigations were conducted and corrective measures implemented.
The matter was taken up by the committee a week after a third-year medical student allegedly committed suicide at his home in Mirpurkhas district by shooting himself in the head with a pistol. Her family had accused a teacher and some of her male colleagues at Ibn-e-Sina University, Mirpurkhas of harassment and blackmail, prompting her to take such an extreme step.
During today’s session, the NA body also directed the ministry to strengthen its inspection mechanisms and bring provincial departments on board before finalizing key policies.
The committee reviewed issues related to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), including the ministry’s revised policy for conducting future MDCAT examinations. It was informed that MDCAT exams would be held soon after the completion of all FSC Boards and Cambridge exams nationwide to avoid delays.
The chairman directed the ministry and PMDC to finalize and announce the schedule in good time to enable students across the country to prepare accordingly. The committee also sought a comprehensive update of available places, place distribution and student enrollment.
The minister informed the committee that approximately 1,100 places had initially remained vacant despite extended deadlines. But after a coordinated effort by the ministry, PMDC and the committee, nearly 98 percent of the seats had been filled, benefiting around 1,000 students.
The Committee appreciated the Ministry of NHSR&C and PMDC for effectively handling the issue and ensuring optimum utilization of vacant seats.
Further, the body discussed the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Ordinance, 2025 and recommended that the bill be passed after incorporating necessary amendments.
Read also: PMDC seeks report on death of female student
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 Muhambarmad Shahbaz attended the meeting.
The Health Minister, along with senior officials from the Ministry of NHSR&C, PMDC and the Ministry of Law and Justice and its attached departments, also attended the meeting.
On April 12, the police arrested a university teacher after an almost two-day long sit-in led by the parents of the deceased on the Mirpurkhas-Hyderabad road.
Police said lecturer Abid Laghari, the main accused among five people named in an FIR, was arrested on charges of creating circumstances that led to the suicide of 21-year-old Fahmeeda Laghari.
The PMDC also expressed deep concern and warned of strict action against any faculty member or institution found responsible.
