The Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, revealed in the National Assembly’s Friday session that 75 polio cases have emerged in children who had already been vaccinated.
During the question hour, the minister assured the house that a special campaign will be launched to investigate and address the issue.
The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah, also discussed multiple healthcare initiatives, railway safety, and taxation policies.
Islamabad’s Healthcare Expansion: 1,100-Bed Hospital Coming Soon
The minister announced that a massive 1,100-bed hospital will be built in Islamabad’s I-11 sector, with its groundbreaking scheduled for early April.
If everything proceeds as planned, healthcare services at this hospital will begin by August 2027.
Additionally, the government is launching eight new Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs) this year to strengthen the primary healthcare system.
“This will help reduce the burden on major hospitals like PIMS and ensure timely medical care at all levels,” he explained.
In a first for Islamabad, a public-sector Stroke Intervention Centre is also being established, addressing a longstanding gap in emergency stroke treatment. A 200-bed emergency hospital, set for completion by June 2025. A 200-bed cancer hospital, expected to be fully operational by June 2026.
Mukhtar Ahmad also highlighted the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) as a 1,200-bed facility handling 8,000+ patients daily, continuing to offer free treatment despite high patient loads.
In a concerning revelation, MPA Sharmila Faruqi disclosed that Pakistan Railways has recorded 537 accidents in the last five years, with 217 caused by human error.
Responding to the concerns, Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani assured that the government is working on enhancing security measures and pledged the early restoration of Bolan and Jaffer Express.
Tax Burden on Salaried Class & FBR’s Growing Collection
A call-attention notice was also presented regarding the increasing tax burden on salaried individuals.
Bilal Azhar Kayani informed the assembly that 4.2 million Pakistanis are currently paying salary tax, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has witnessed a 26% increase in tax collection.
Islamic National Savings Schemes Reinstated!
The session also touched upon the Islamic compliance of National Savings Schemes.
MPA Aliya Kamran questioned the temporary suspension of these schemes in February 2024, to which the minister replied that they were reinstated in November, with investments reaching Rs. 64 billion so far.
Following the discussions, the National Assembly session was adjourned indefinitely.
Reporter Rozina Ali