Ijaz Kakakhel
The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination on Thursday unanimously passed the Pakistan Emergency Treatment Coverage Programme Bill, 2023.
The bill, moved by Senator SaniaNishtar, aims to provide free emergency healthcare in hospitals, ensuring immediate medical assistance for the protection of public health and safety. The committee was chaired by Senator Dr. Muhammad HumayunMohmand, at the Parliament House, where the bill was passed unanimously with certain amendments.
Moreover, the committee received a comprehensive briefing on the SehatSahulat Program. It was disclosed that the program is under the administrative control of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination in the federal government. The Federal Government extends financial support for program implementation to ICT, AJK, GB, and Tharparkar district (Sindh), covering a vast population of 241 million across Pakistan. A stringent monitoring system, utilizing the Centralized Management Information System (CMIS) monitored by NADRA as a third-party, ensures effective oversight. Fraudulent hospitals have been removed from the SehatSahulat Program. For feedback, comments, and complaints, a toll-free number (0800-09009) and an SMS service (8500) for beneficiary status checks are available.
The committee delved into the details of the College of Nursing PIMS Islamabad, discussing the total number of enrolled students, challenges faced by the college, and the status of enhancing 50 seats in the Generic BS Nursing Program from 2023 to 2027.
The PNC informed the committee that the induction process for 50 students in the BS Generic 04 Years Program at the School of Nursing, PIMS, is currently underway.
The chairman emphasized the urgency of prompt and undisputed enhancement in nursing, highlighting the crucial role of nurses in the health sector.
