ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to conduct a fresh nationwide survey to assess the rise in HIV cases in the country, after the UNDP and World Health Organisation (WHO) recently released a report on the spread of the disease.
This was stated by the State Minister for National Health Services and Regulations, Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services and Regulations that met here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti.
The committee expressed serious concerns over the recent report of the WHO and UNDP, asking the relevant authorities to take concrete steps to check on the matters. Responding to the concerns of the committee members, Dr Bharath informed the government was already aware of the situation.
The target sample of the survey, which will be completed by mid-December, includes transgender persons, drug users, hospitals, and other high-risk groups, the state minister further explained.
At the outset of the meeting, the committee members jointly paid tribute to the late Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui for his dedicated services to Parliament and his valuable contributions to the legislative process. The committee members 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 emphasised the need to harmonise 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.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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