The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services Tuesday took serious notice of the exorbitant fees charged by private medical institutions in the country.

It directed the Ministry of Health and Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to share their comments on the issue at the next committee meeting.

The committee also called on the Ministry to review this policy to ensure a fair and transparent process for all students. It noted that it would soon make a decision on the case.

The committee also discussed the Thalassemia screening proposal 2025, aimed at preventing thalassemia by making marital testing mandatory for both partners in Islamabad.

The committee recognized the serious health consequences for children born with Thalassemia -Major and agreed that the question should be addressed.

In order to promote the legislation, written answers will be sought to the legal consequences of this proposal from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health.

The meeting of the standing committee was led by MNA Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani. One of the most important questions discussed was the ongoing problems within Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC).

The chairman of the committee expressed concern that despite over 16 meetings held to tackle questions related to PNMC, no significant progress had been made.

The minister promised that the ministry would quickly take steps to resolve the matter and clear any misunderstandings about it. Concerns were also raised about accreditation of nursing schools, especially some institutions that were wrongly certified.