NA Body called Unlawful appointment of the President PNMC

Staff Report

The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare standards across the country. The Committee critically examined the role of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) in improving nursing and midwifery education and practices in Pakistan.

The Committee expressed serious displeasure over the non-seriousness of the PNMC. It was noted with concern that the President arrived unprepared for the meeting and was unable to adequately respond to most of the questions posed.

The Committee opposed the appointment of the President of the PNMC and expressed dissatisfaction with her briefing. The Committee emphasized that no political point-scoring should occur in the meeting, stressing that all discussions should focus on the betterment of healthcare facilities in the country.

Furthermore, the committee highlighted the lack of information regarding the affiliated universities for most of the nursing institutions in the country. This lack of transparency is a significant concern for maintaining educational standards.FIA Raids 13 Bogus Nursing Colleges in Twin Cities

Additionally, the Committee raised concerns about the rapid increase in the number of nursing institutes over the past year, questioning the standards and quality of these new establishments. The briefing also encompassed detailed updates on the procedure of deputation, absorption and appointment of Secretary BS-20, along with other key personnel appointments made over the past year in the Council.

A critical issue addressed during the session was the refusal of the Auditor General of Pakistan to conduct a financial and administrative audit of the PNMC. The Committee deliberated on this matter, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability within the Council’s operations and exploring potential steps to resolve this concern.

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Ch. Muhammad Shahbaz Babar, Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Dr. Shaista Khan, Dr. Darshan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, Ms. Farukh Khan, Dr. Amjad Ali Khan, Mr. Shahram Khan, Mr. Nisar Ahmed, Mr. Azim ud Din Zahid, M. Shabbir Ali Qureshi and Ms. Aliya Kamran along with senior officials from the Ministry and the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council.