The Committee also expresses concern about reported deaths, including cases of suicide, in medical schools.
MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani. Photo: Archive
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) on Thursday termed the rise in HIV cases in the country, particularly in Taunsa tehsil, as alarming and directed that a detailed report be submitted in the next meeting.
Highlighting the situation in Taunsa, where 331 cases had been reported, the committee sought clarification on the matter.
In 2025, a central tehsil hospital in Taunsa was linked to an HIV outbreak among children. Despite Punjab authorities vowing to take strong action, on Monday, bbc Investigations revealed that unsafe practices continued to put children at risk.
The committee met today under the chairmanship of MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani to deliberate on key issues related to medical education, public health challenges and regulatory reforms.
Read more: Teacher arrested in student suicide case
Expressing serious concern over reported deaths, including cases of suicide, in medical colleges, 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 are carried out and remedial measures implemented.
The committee took up the matter a week after a third-year medical student allegedly committed suicide at her home in Mirpurkhas district by shooting herself in the head with a pistol. Her family had blamed a professor and some of her male colleagues at Ibn-e-Sina University, Mirpurkhas, for harassment and blackmail, prompting her to take such an extreme step.
During today’s session, the NA body also ordered the ministry to strengthen its inspection mechanisms and involve provincial departments before finalizing key policies.
The committee reviewed matters related to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), including the ministry’s revised policy for conducting future MDCAT exams. It was reported that the MDCAT exams would be held soon after the conclusion of all FSC boards and Cambridge exams across the country to avoid delays.
The President directed the ministry and PMDC to finalize and announce the schedule well in advance to enable students across the country to prepare accordingly. The committee also requested a comprehensive update on vacant posts, seat allocation and student admissions.
The minister informed the commission that initially about 1,100 seats remained vacant despite the extension of the deadlines. However, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the ministry, PMDC and the committee, almost 98 per cent of the seats were filled, benefiting around 1,000 students.
The committee thanked the Ministry of NHSR&C and PMDC for effectively addressing the issue and ensuring optimal utilization of available seats.
Furthermore, the body discussed the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Ordinance 2025 and recommended that the bill be passed after incorporating necessary amendments.
Also read: PMDC seeks report on student’s death
The meeting was attended by NMAs 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 Muhammad Shahbaz Babar (virtually).
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 participated in the meeting.
On April 12, police arrested a university professor after a nearly two-day sit-in led by the parents of the deceased on the Mirpurkhas-Hyderabad highway.
Police said Professor Abid Laghari, the main accused among five people named in an FIR, was arrested on charges of creating circumstances leading to the suicide of 21-year-old Fahmeeda Laghari.
The PMDC also expressed deep concern and warned that strict action would be taken against any faculty member or institution found responsible.
