News Detail
Event Title: Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad.
Event Date: 2026-07-09
Senate Health Committee Calls for Stronger Regulation of Formula Milk Advertisements, Early Completion of Pharmaceutical Market Study
The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti to consider private members' bills, review formula milk advertisements, receive a briefing from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on its ongoing pharmaceutical sector study, and discuss issues relating to BS Nursing students from Balochistan.
The meeting was attended by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Senator Shahzaib Durrani, and Senator Nasir Mehmood, while Senator Jan Muhammad participated as the mover of an agenda item. Federal Minister for National Health Services also attended the meeting.
The Committee took serious notice of formula milk advertisements and their impact on society. Reviewing the implementation of its previous directions regarding public awareness, the Committee was informed that formula milk advertisements are currently aired on only two television channels and that a mandatory awareness disclaimer accompanies such advertisements.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the Committee observed that the disclaimer is displayed in English and is too small to be effective, and fails to adequately convey the importance of breastfeeding. Chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to verify all channels broadcasting formula milk advertisements, ensure that awareness messages are prominently displayed in both Urdu and English, and utilize the mandatory five percent free public service television airtime for nationwide awareness campaigns promoting mother's milk as the best source of infant nutrition.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan briefed the Committee on its ongoing study of the pharmaceutical sector, focusing on medicine pricing and market practices. The Committee was informed that the study is expected to be completed within six months. Stressing the urgency of the matter, the Committee directed that the study be completed at the earliest possible date and instructed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to extend full cooperation. Chairman Chishti emphasized that rising medicine prices directly affect ordinary citizens and reiterated the Committee's commitment to ensuring affordable healthcare while safeguarding the sustainability of the pharmaceutical industry. The Committee also urged consideration of an appropriate price-capping mechanism for unregulated non-essential medicines.
The Chairman Committee reaffirmed the Committee's unwavering support for Pakistan's pharmaceutical sector. He stated that all pharmaceutical companies operating in compliance with the law and adhering to the highest standards of quality, transparency, and ethical business practices will be provided full protection and institutional support. He emphasized that the Committee remains committed to promoting a fair, competitive, and sustainable pharmaceutical sector in the best interest of public health and the national economy.
The Committee also discussed concerns regarding students from Balochistan enrolled in the Health Services Academy under a scholarship programme. Committee was informed that the students were allegedly being awarded a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing that lacked the required recognition. On the directions of the Chairman, the Federal Health Minister assured the Committee that the future of the students would be fully protected and that the matter would be resolved within one week.
The Committee deferred consideration of "The Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026" and directed the Ministry of Health to hold consultations with the mover of the bill to review existing regulations and improve the proposed legislation.
Discussion on "The Islamabad Consumers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026" was also deferred. The Committee directed the Ministry of Health to provide the relevant data to the mover for further deliberation.
The Committee was further briefed on the spread of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan. Expressing concern over the situation, members stressed the need for preventive measures, expanded screening facilities, enhanced public awareness, and stronger regulatory enforcement. The Federal Health Minister proposed that HIV/AIDS be included as a regular agenda item of the Committee to strengthen public awareness through sustained parliamentary oversight.
Agreeing with the proposal, Chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti directed that HIV/AIDS remain a standing agenda item in future meetings. He further directed that provincial Healthcare Commissions submit performance reports on measures to prevent the spread of HIV, including monitoring the reuse of syringes, strengthening infection control mechanisms, and taking strict action against unqualified medical practitioners operating in urban and rural areas.
Concluding the meeting, the Committee appreciated the consistent participation of the Federal Minister for National Health Services in parliamentary proceedings and urged all federal ministers to actively attend meetings of their respective standing committees, underscoring the importance of parliamentary oversight and accountability.