The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Government Assurances has asked the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to enforce minimum wages for paramedical staff employed in private hospitals in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) through the available legal framework. The committee expressed concern over reports of non-payment of minimum wages to paramedical staff working in private hospitals and other healthcare establishments. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of MNA Nuzhat Sadiq to discuss an assurance given on the floor of the National Assembly by the minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in response to a starred question regarding wages paid to paramedical staff in private hospitals in Islamabad.

The Ministry of National Health Services had contended that the matter did not fall under the purview of the ministry or the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority and that it came under the jurisdiction of the ICT Labour Welfare Department. The ICT Labour Welfare Department apprised the committee that it was responsible for implementing the Minimum Wages Ordinance and the West Pakistan Shops and Establishments Ordinance in Islamabad. However, under the existing legal framework, there were no clear enabling provisions for prescribing and enforcing minimum wages specifically for paramedics employed in private hospitals. The department further contended that establishments providing treatment or care to sick and infirm persons were excluded from the operation of both laws.

A representative of the Ministry of National Health Services informed the committee that the process of registering hospitals and healthcare establishments by the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority would begin within a week and that the issue of payment of minimum wages could subsequently be addressed. Taking up an assurance regarding the payment of boarding and lodging charges by members of the Pakistan Hockey Squad participating in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 from their own pockets, the committee asked the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and the Pakistan Sports Board to ensure that sports federations provide all-out support to players representing Pakistan.

In the instant case, the ministry and the Pakistan Sports Board had provided grants of Rs59 million and Rs37 million, respectively, to the Pakistan Hockey Federation during the financial year 2023-24. In addition to the combined amount of Rs96 million, the ministry had provided Rs23 million specifically to cover participation expenses for the Asian Champions Trophy 2024. The committee was informed that in view of the funds provided, the question of players paying boarding and lodging charges from their own pockets did not arise. The secretary IPC contended that the matter was being thoroughly reviewed.