Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan Tuesday supported efforts to enact laws for controlling malpractices in the medical profession. Speaking in National Assembly on a private member’s Medical and Dental Council (amendment) Bill, the minister said it will bring the medical colleges into certain parameters and discourage malpractices. She appreciated the efforts of MNA Dr Donia Aziz and members of the Standing Committee who had put in maximum to fine tune the bill. “We can further improve it as we have weak legislation in the health sector”. On certain objections by couple of members, she maintained that if the bill will be deferred, it will have health hazards. “Strong legislation to improve performance of health sector and medical profession is need of the hour.”
The minister extended full support to the bill on behalf of the government and assured that the government will own any such initiative in future as well. The minister offered that the government will also act as a bridge between the members and the Standing Committee in case of such legislation. She had also emphasized to pass the bill as its deference could have encouraged malpractices in the medical profession. Later, the House passed the bill with consensus as it provides for public-private partnership to improve the performance of health sector and medical profession.
