ISLAMABAD — The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services (NHSR&C) has sounded a high-level alarm over a burgeoning health crisis in Pakistan. During a meeting on Friday, January 30, 2026, the committee revealed that HIV cases have reached a staggering 300,000, with a vast majority of patients remaining “off the grid.”
The HIV Crisis in Numbers
The committee, chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, highlighted a dangerous gap between infection and treatment:
| Category | Statistics (Jan 2026) |
| Total Estimated HIV Cases | 300,000 |
| Diagnosed Individuals | 87,000 |
| Patients Under Treatment | 34,000 |
| Key Hotspots | Sindh and other specific “red zones.” |
Critical Concerns:
- Newborn Infections: Alarming reports of HIV-positive newborns were discussed; the Ministry has been directed to verify if these are ground realities or misinformation.
- Unsafe Practices: The reuse of syringes and “unnecessary” injections in private clinics were cited as primary drivers of the spread.
- The Treatment Gap: Only about 11% of the estimated infected population is currently receiving medical care.
Islamabad’s “Unlicensed” Hospitals
In a shocking revelation, the committee was informed that none of the private hospitals or dispensaries in Islamabad hold a valid license from the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), despite the body being established in 2018.
Findings & Directives:
- Criminal Negligence: The committee proposed making the “failure to provide emergency care” a criminal offense.
- Unethical Practices: Reports surfaced of hospitals detaining patients—and even dead bodies—over unpaid bills.
- Display of Rates: Hospitals, labs, and pharmacies have been ordered to publicly display their rate lists within one month.
- Sehat Card Integration: All private teaching hospitals must now adopt the Sehat Sahulat Card to ensure welfare care.
وفاقی وزیر صحت جناب سید مصطفیٰ کمال کو CMU (ایڈز، ٹی بی و ملیریا) کی جانب سے ایچ آئی وی / ایڈز کی موجودہ صورتحال، حکومتی اقدامات اور مستقبل کی حکمتِ عملی پر جامع بریفنگ دی گئی۔ اس موقع پر سیکرٹری صحت، ایڈیشنل سیکرٹری اور ڈائریکٹر جنرل ہیلتھ بھی موجود تھے۔ وزیر صحت نے قومی سطح پر… pic.twitter.com/BLaQYURvrK
— Syed Mustafa Kamal (@KamalMQM) January 27, 2026
MDCAT & Nursing Reforms
The committee also tackled the recurring chaos surrounding medical admissions and nursing standards:
- MDCAT Validity: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) was told to fix a permanent policy for the 10% additional quota and resolve issues regarding seat vacancies.
- Nursing Ordinance 2025: A comparative analysis of the new Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Ordinance, 2025 versus the 2023 Act has been requested within three days to ensure expert and private sector representation.
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A One-Month Deadline
The IHRA has been granted exactly one month to process all pending licensing applications and enforce strict regulatory checks. The committee emphasized that the era of “voluntary compliance” is over, moving toward “enforceable regulation.”
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