Press Release
Senate Committee Seeks Legal Clarification on PIMS Act: Reviews Health Sector Challenges
The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination met today under the chairmanship of Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti at Islamabad.
The meeting was attended by Senators Syed Masroor Ahsan and Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan. Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, also participated in the proceedings.
At the outset, the Chairman paid tribute to the late Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui for his dedicated services to Parliament and his valuable contributions to the legislative process. He also offered prayers for the departed soul.
The Committee unanimously deferred consideration of two Private Members’ Bills titled “The Mental Health (Amendment) Bill, 2025” and “The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2025.”
During the meeting, the Committee received a detailed briefing regarding the administrative issues between the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and the School of Dentistry (SOD), Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU). Officials informed the Committee that PIMS functions under the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, whereas SZABMU is an autonomous institution. It was noted that the PIMS Act, 2023 stipulates that any department or institution operating within the PIMS premises must function under PIMS administration; however, SZABMU maintains that it operates independently as a separate entity.
The Principal of the School of Dentistry apprised the Committee that SOD operates as a joint venture and currently has 500 students, 164 staff members, and 126 operational dental chairs. He further informed the Committee that maxillofacial surgery services are provided by PIMS.
On the recommendation of Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan, the Committee referred the matter to the Law Division with directions to furnish a clarification on Section 6, Sub-Clause 3 of the PIMS Act, 2023. She further emphasized the need to harmonize all relevant legal provisions to develop a mutually agreeable policy framework for both institutions. The Chairman directed all concerned departments to share their inputs on viable administrative solutions. The agenda item was deferred for further deliberation in the next meeting.
Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan also raised the concerns of postgraduate doctors who face significant challenges in attesting their educational certificates and equivalence documents. She highlighted reports of candidates being asked to appear in irrelevant examinations. The Senator further noted that the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC), after issuing a certificate, reportedly charges Rs. 10,000 for its verification. Having personally visited the IBCC office, she expressed concern over the long queues of postgraduate candidates awaiting processing. The Committee directed that the relevant authorities be summoned to brief the Committee on the issue.
The Committee appreciated the steps taken by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to improve accessibility of information on its official website. It was informed that comprehensive details concerning products and facilities have been uploaded online. DRAP has also introduced a new Medicine Availability tab and a QR code–based complaint system. Officials informed the Committee that 51 complaints were received, of which 40 have been resolved.
The Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination briefed the Committee on the increasing number of HIV cases in Pakistan. He informed members that a nationwide survey assessing the rise in HIV cases is currently underway and will be completed by mid-December 2025. The survey’s target sample includes transgender persons, drug users, hospitals, and other high-risk groups.
