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Dr Malik Mukhtar Bharath, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Health seen in this image. — APP/File
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ISLAMABAD: Expressing concern over the increase in HIV cases, the National Assembly’s Health Health Committee on Monday emphasized the urgent need for better diagnostic and prevention measures, awareness and access. As a major obstacle to reducing the transmission by highlighting the differences found in, especially in advanced districts.
Although the spread of HIV has been refused among the people who inject drugs (PWIDS), it is increasing in other important populations, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Barath said. He said while addressing the Standing Committee, as he highlighted the preliminary results. Recently, the 6th round of integrated biological and behavior monitoring (IBBS) ended.
The committee met with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, under the chairmanship of Dr. Mahesh Milani. Dr. Mukhtar also identified the prevention and control (IPC) measures on health care facilities, which is an important partnership in the growing HIV cases.
Senior health officials informed the committee that the HIV spiral has begun from key population to the general population, where 13,000 new HIV cases have been reported in 2024. The coordinator added that 72,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) are now registered in 94 anti -arterial treatment (Art) centers across the country. However, the estimated number of PLHIV in Pakistan is about 270,000. He noted, “Due to the increase in better diagnosis and awareness, more HIV cases are being identified, but there is a significant difference between estimated and registered cases.”
Screening and testing services provided by the Common Management Unit (CMU) were recognized as important to address the issue. However, the difference between awareness and access was noted as special barriers to reducing the transmission, especially in high bird districts.
The spread of HIV from key population to the general population is a serious threat to public health. The committee called for targeted awareness campaigns, stabilizing infection control protocol, and monitoring high -risk activities to tackle this growing crisis. Members also emphasized the importance of enhancing Art Art services to improve access to PLHIV treatment.
The committee also reviewed Pakistan’s malaria and Tuberculosis (TB) control programs. Although the success rate of TB treatment is high in this country, about 300,000 people remain unhealthy every year. The introduction of 148 digital X -ray machines in the upper birds districts was highlighted as a promise to improve TB diagnosis. Similarly, efforts were made to increase malaria prevention through long -lasting pesticides (LLins) and indoor residual sprays (IRS).
The Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at reforming and strengthening the Medical Regulatory Framework.
Islamabad Health Care Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was also reviewed, members of the committee emphasized the need for clarification and sovereignty in these reforms. In addition, the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was discussed, the committee directed the Pakistan Pharmacy Council to provide a comparative analysis of similar legislation approved by the Senate. The purpose of these amendments is to harmonize the rules and improve the rule of pharmacies and pharmaceutical services.
The reorganization and upgrading of diseases and feminine department was also highlighted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) as a priority. With more than 115 consultant level posts in PIMS, the committee called for immediate recruitment to fill those positions and improve the delivery of services. In particular, this is the first recruiting campaign in PIMS since 2013, which reflects the long -standing challenges in addressing staff shortages in one of the country’s high health care agencies.
The meeting was attended by the MNA, including Ms Zahra Wudod Fatimi, Dr. Darshan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Saban Ghuri, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, and others. The Prime Minister’s Coordinator, Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharat, also participated with senior officers of the NHSR & C Ministry and its affiliated departments.
