NA panel slams PNMC for lack of transparency, unpreparedness

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination expressed serious displeasure with the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) during its recent meeting.

The committee voiced concerns over the PNMC’s lack of preparedness and transparency, which are critical for advancing healthcare standards in Pakistan.

During the meeting, chaired by Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA, in Committee Room No. 7 at the Parliament House, the committee critically examined the PNMC’s role in improving nursing and midwifery education and practices. The committee highlighted significant issues, including the president of PNMC arriving unprepared and failing to respond adequately to questions. The committee opposed the appointment of the president and expressed dissatisfaction with her briefing, emphasising that the discussions should focus solely on enhancing healthcare facilities in the country rather than political point-scoring. A major concern raised by the committee was the lack of information regarding the affiliated universities for most nursing institutions in Pakistan.

The briefing also included detailed updates on the procedure of deputation, absorption, and appointment of key personnel, including the Secretary BS-20, within the PNMC over the past year.

Another 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.