The Committee also expresses concern over reported deaths, including cases of suicide, in medical colleges.
MP Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani. Photo: File
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination (NHSR&C) on Thursday termed as alarming the rise in HIV cases in the country, especially in Taunsa tehsil, and ordered that a detailed briefing be made in the next meeting.
Highlighting the situation in Taunsa, where 331 cases were reported, the committee sought clarification on the matter.
In 2025, a hospital in Tehsil headquarters in Taunsa was linked to an HIV outbreak among children. Although Punjab authorities pledged to take action on Monday, BBC investigations found that unsafe practices continued to put children at risk.
The committee met today under the chairmanship of MP Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani to deliberate on key issues regarding medical education, public health challenges and regulatory reforms.
Learn more: Professor arrested in student suicide case
Expressing deep concern over reported deaths, including suicide cases, in medical colleges, particularly in Punjab and Mirpur Khas, the committee asked the ministry to submit a detailed report on such incidents over the past few years and ensure that thorough investigations are carried out and remedial measures implemented.
The case was taken up by the commission 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 gun. Her family had accused a teacher and some of her male colleagues at Ibn-e-Sina University in Mirpurkhas of harassment and blackmail, prompting her to take such an extreme step.
During today’s session, the NA body also asked the ministry to strengthen its inspection mechanisms and involve provincial departments before finalizing key policies.
The committee reviewed issues related to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), including the ministry’s revised policy regarding the conduct of future MDCAT exams. It was informed that the MDCAT exams would be held soon after the conclusion of all FSC counseling and Cambridge exams across the country to avoid delays.
The President directed the ministry and the PMDC to finalize and announce the schedule well in advance to enable students across the country to prepare accordingly. The committee also sought a comprehensive update on vacant seats, seat allocation and admissions of students.
The minister informed the commission that around 1,100 seats were initially left vacant despite extended deadlines. However, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the ministry, PMDC and the committee, almost 98 percent of the seats were filled, benefiting around 1,000 students.
The committee appreciated the Ministry of NHSR&C and PMDC for efficiently resolving the issue and ensuring optimum 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.
Read also: PMDC calls for report on student’s death
The meeting was attended by MPs 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 Minister of Health, along with senior officials from the Ministry of NHSR&C, PMDC, Ministry of Law and Justice and its attached departments, also participated in the meeting.
On April 12, police arrested a college professor after a nearly two-day sit-in led by the deceased’s parents on Mirpurkhas-Hyderabad road.
Police said lecturer Abid Laghari, the main accused among the five named in an FIR, was arrested for creating the circumstances that led to the suicide of 21-year-old Fahmeeda Laghari.
The PMDC also expressed deep concern and warned of strict action against any faculty member or institution found responsible.
