Sindh’s Health Care Commission Bill gathers dust

KARACHI: The government has failed to implement a bill that will regulate over 5,000 health facilities across Sindh including government and private hospitals, dispensaries, maternity homes and clinics.

President of Private Hospitals and Clinics Association, Dr Junaid Ali Shah told this scribe that the Health Care Commission Bill would also tackle harassment and handling issues between patients and doctors at health facilities along with violation of medical ethics.

According to Dr Shah the government has not shown the willingness to implement this bill, which is apparent in their meetings and selction of Board of Directors for the Health Commission Bill.

Convener of the Commission Dr Ejaz Ahmed Khanzada said so far the Health Minister has chaired three meetings and the board of directors have been appointed. He added that soon other staff and Deputy Director would be appointed to start their work.

Pakistan Medical Association Senior Member Dr Qaiser Sajjad said that in 2014 Sindh Assembly had passed Health Care Commission Bill and after two years in May 2016 the first notification had been released by Health Department, which shows their commitment to the health of people

The fundamental tasks of the commission include:

1. Maintaining, registering all health care facilities
2. Revoke or renew licenses of laboratories, maternity homes, clinics and private hospitals.
3. Enquire and investigate maladministration and malpractices.
4. Impose and collect penalties.
5. Health Commissioner will take necessary action to put on ban on quackery and make a strategy to prohibit sales of drugs without prescription as well

 

 Health expert said that Punjab and KPK Government are already working on Health Care Commission Bill, but in Sindh province all things are still on paper.