NA panel flags exorbitant MBBS fees

PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services on Tuesday took serious notice of the exorbitant fees charged by private medical institutions in the country.
It directed the Ministry of Health and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to share their remarks on the issue at the next committee meeting.
The committee also urged the ministry to review this policy to ensure a fair and transparent process for all students. It noted that it was going to take a decision on the matter soon.
The committee also discussed the Thalassemia Screening Bill 2025, which aims to prevent thalassemia by making premarital testing mandatory for both partners in Islamabad.
The committee acknowledged the severe health implications for children born with thalassemia major and agreed that the issue needed to be addressed.
To advance legislation, written responses on the legal implications of this proposal will be sought from the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Health.
The meeting of the standing committee was chaired by MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani. One of the key issues discussed was the ongoing problems within the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC).
The chairman of the committee voiced concern that despite over 16 meetings held to address issues related to the PNMC, no significant progress had been made.
The minister pledged that the ministry would swiftly take action to resolve the matter and clear any misunderstandings surrounding it. Concerns were also raised regarding the accreditation of nursing colleges, particularly some institutions that were falsely certified.

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