Coordinator to Prime Minister on Health Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Health and heads of its subordinate institutions to prioritize and address all government affairs promptly.

Addressing a meeting at the Ministry of Health, Dr Mukhtar emphasized the importance of ensuring reforms in the health sector. He stressed that the heads of respective institutions must meet the deadlines set for their assigned targets.

He called for immediate processing of applications related to the verification of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) degrees, registration, and licensing.

To ensure transparency in the MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) examinations, Dr Bharath insisted on holding meetings with all the stakeholders.

He urged collaboration with the federal and provincial universities conducting examinations to develop a coordinated strategy.

He made it clear that any leakage of examination papers would not be tolerated, and complaints regarding paper leaks must be resolved.

Dr Mukhtar emphasised that following meetings with the relevant stakeholders, the PMDC is required to inform the Ministry of Health in writing.

Additionally, applications for the registration of new colleges received by the Ministry of Health must be processed within a week.

Dr Mukhtar highlighted the need to elevate Pakistan’s medical education to high standards to attract foreign students to its medical colleges.

He also instructed the Executive Director of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital to ensure a fast-tracked internal and external cleaning system and to complete the assigned targets on time.

Dr Mukhtar announced plans to upgrade the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM) Hospital, emphasizing the need for modernization.

The Executive Director of NIRM was directed to submit proposals and recommendations for hospital improvements within 10 days.

He also called for the formulation of a comprehensive plan to promote health tourism, recognizing its significant potential in Pakistan.