Health Care Law at Pakistan
Health Rights in Pakistan Pakistan's healthcare system is governed by a complex legal framework that encompasses federal and provincial laws, regulations, and institutions aimed at ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services to its citizens. Here's an overview of the key components:
🇵🇰 Constitutional and Federal Legal Foundations
Constitution of Pakistan (1973)
Article 38 of the Constitution mandates the state to provide healthcare facilities to all citizens, laying the foundation for healthcare rights and accountability.
Health Ordinance 1961
This ordinance established a comprehensive framework for the healthcare delivery system in Pakistan, focusing on quality control, public health, and professional standards.
Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC)
Established in 1962, PMDC was responsible for regulating medical education and practice. However, in 2019, it was replaced by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) through an ordinance. In 2020, the Islamabad High Court restored PMDC, declaring the formation of PMC as illegal.
Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) Act 2012
DRAP is an autonomous body under the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination. It ensures the availability of safe and effective medications by regulating the pharmaceutical sector.
National Health Emergency Response Act 2020
This act provides a framework for responding to health emergencies, ensuring the provision of required services to all citizens during such events.
🏛️ Provincial Health Laws and Regulatory Bodies
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Care Commission Act 2015
This act regulates healthcare services in the province, aiming to provide safe and high-quality healthcare services and to ban quackery in all its forms.
Punjab Healthcare Commission Act 2010
This act regulates healthcare establishments in Punjab, ensuring the provision of quality healthcare services and the enforcement of standards.
Sindh Health Care Commission Act 2013
This act focuses on healthcare quality and safety across the province, establishing a regulatory framework for healthcare establishments.
🩺 Medical Malpractice and Patient Rights
Pakistan's legal framework also addresses medical malpractice and patient rights:
Medical Malpractice Laws: These laws provide a mechanism for patients to seek redress in cases of medical negligence or misconduct.
Patient Rights: Patients have the right to informed consent, confidentiality, and quality care. Legal provisions ensure that healthcare providers respect these rights.
⚠️ Emerging Health Policy Challenges
Pakistan faces several challenges in its healthcare sector:
Polio Vaccination: Authorities in Sindh have considered imprisoning parents for up to a month if they fail to vaccinate their children against diseases, including polio, in response to high vaccine refusal rates. (Pakistan officials consider a new way to boost polio vaccination: prison)
Tobacco Control: There is ongoing debate over laws restricting the sale and manufacture of smaller cigarette packs to prevent making cigarettes more affordable for children. (BAT subsidiary lobbies Pakistan to allow export of cigarettes to Sudan)
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