Key Takeaways
- NA Standing Committee expressed concern over non-payment of minimum wages to paramedical staff in private hospitals.
- Ministry of National Health Services claims the issue is outside their jurisdiction.
- Committee discussed assurance regarding sports players' expenses for international competitions.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances has expressed serious concern over the reported non-payment of minimum wages to paramedical staff working in private hospitals and other health establishments in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
During a meeting on Thursday, the parliamentary panel asked the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to enforce minimum wages for paramedical staff employed in private hospitals through the available legal framework.
The Ministry of National Health Services contended that the issue does not fall under their purview or that of the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority, as it is the responsibility of the ICT Labour Welfare Department to implement the Minimum Wages Ordinance and the West Pakistan Shops and Establishments Ordinance.
The ICT Labour Welfare Department stated that they have no clear enabling provisions for prescribing and enforcing minimum wages specifically for paramedics employed in private hospitals, as establishments for the treatment or care of sick and infirm persons are excluded from the operation of both laws.
The Ministry of National Health Services informed the Committee that the process of registration of hospitals and health establishments by the Islamabad Healthcare Authority would begin within a week, which could address the issue of payment of minimum wages.
The Committee also discussed an assurance regarding the payment of boarding and lodging charges by members of the Pakistan Hockey Squad participating in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 out of their own pocket.
The Committee asked the Ministry and the Pakistan Sports Board to ensure that sports federations extend all-out support to the players, as they were representing Pakistan.
The Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) and the Pakistan Sports Board have provided grants amounting to Rs 59 million and Rs 37 million, respectively, to the Pakistan Hockey Federation during the financial year 2023-24.
In addition, the Ministry provided Rs 23 million specifically to cover the participation expenses for the Asian Championship Trophy 2024, and the Committee was informed that the news appearing in the media was ill-founded and does not have merit.
