ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination convened on Thursday, unanimously proposing that the passing percentage for NLE (National Licensing Examination) exams should be set at 50 percent.
Chaired by Senator Dr. Muhammad Humayun Mohmand, the committee met at the Parliament House to deliberate the passing marks for both past and upcoming NLE exams. This discussion was initiated upon the special request of Senator Dr. Mehr Taj Roghani.
The committee noted that in 2012, the PMDC (Pakistan Medical and Dental Council) had a passing rate of 50 percent for candidates. Similarly, in 2017 and 2019, the success rate for the NLE exam remained at 50 percent. However, in October 2021, the passing percentage was raised to 70 percent.
The PMDC argued that 70 percent is the norm in developed countries. Nonetheless, Senator Prof Mehr Taj Roghani disagreed with this global practice, asserting that a 50 percent passing rate should be maintained in Pakistan. Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi supported this stance, contending that aligning with the international standard would prevent undue pressure on the medical community.
In another matter, the committee addressed the issue of an MRI machine at PIMS Hospital. The Executive Director of PIMS assured the committee that the MRI machine has been operational since October 13 and will be officially inaugurated on October 27 by the federal health minister.
Furthermore, the committee received assurances that an MRI machine will be procured for Polyclinic Hospital within four months. The committee emphasized the need for at least six to seven MRI machines in government hospitals in Islamabad.
The committee also extensively discussed the deputation of employees at PIMS Hospital and Polyclinic Hospital. It was revealed that 24 employees from PIMS Hospital are currently on deputation to other hospitals, while 49 employees from various hospital departments are working on a deputation basis at PIMS.
The meeting was attended by senators Prof Dr. Mehr Taj Roghani, Sana Jamali, Rubina Khalid, Jam Mahtab Hussain Dahar, Bahramand Khan Tangi, and Fawzia Arshad. Additionally, senior officials from the ministry and other related departments were present.