Sindh to set up its own child health institute

Move comes days after the SC ruled to hand over NICH to the federal govt

KARACHI: Days after the Supreme Court ruled to hand over the administrative and operational control of the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) to the federal government, the Sindh Assembly passed a law to establish the 'Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology'.  Besides, the Assembly also passed the Sindh Injured Persons' Compulsory Medical Treatment (Amal Umer) Bill on Monday.

The child health institute bill had been introduced in the Assembly on January 4 and subsequently referred to a special committee for second reading and amendments. "The law is being passed given the need of specialised health care for neonates and children," said Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mukesh Kumar Chawla. "The Government of Sindh is planning to set up a child health institute, so that numerous child health outlets can be established under its umbrella," he added.

According to the new law, technical expertise and trained human resource will be provided to all child emergency centres established in different health facilities of the provincial government.

Research

The law states that the institute will strive for the development of molecular science and genetic research for diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive purposes for all disorders affecting children. It will also undertake postgraduate teaching programs such as FCPS, MS, MD, PhD and other diplomas in the field of paediatrics and neonatology and all relevant fields in collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan and a university of medical or health sciences, recognised by the Higher Education Commission or the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.

The institute will also undertake trainings of nursing and paramedical staff, including technicians, in the field of pediatrics, neonatology and relevant emergency medicine. The academic council of the institute shall perform as may be assigned to it by the board under this Act. "The academic council shall consist of an Executive Director [who shall be its chairperson] and all professors and associate professors of the institute," the law states.

Board composition

The Sindh chief minister will be chief patron of the institute, which will be run by a board headed by the provincial health minister. Meanwhile, the members will comprise the health and finance secretaries, a nominee of the Pakistan Paediatrics Association, other three with a background of finance, audit, law or paediatrics nominated by the CM and two members - one each from the treasury and other opposition benches nominated by the Sindh Assembly speaker.

The law states that the board will enjoy control over the administration of the institute's property, funds and resources and borrow and raise money for it. It will also create, suspend and abolish posts and guide on questions of policy.  The executive director, to be appointed by the government, will manage the affairs of the institute.

Amal Umer Bill

The Sindh Assembly also passed a bill to provide medical aid and treatment to any injured person before completion of 'medico-legal formalities'. The bill was called for after the killing of 10-year-old Amal Umer, during a police shootout with robbers in Defence Housing Authority in August last year. The child had later died due to the alleged negligence of the hospital she was rushed to. The law states that it would be the duty of a hospital to provide compulsory medical treatment to the injured person on a priority basis.  The government would penalise hospitals for not giving "first-aid" to injured persons [due to firing, traffic accident, assault or any other cause].

Attack on PTI MPA

Amid a noisy session, the Sindh Assembly passed a resolution, condemning the attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA Ramzan Ghanchi who suffered a bullet wound in a clash with PPP local leaders over a water connection in Timber Market area, a few days ago.

The resolution was jointly moved by opposition leader Firdous Shamim Naqvi and PPP's Saeed Ghani. During the debate, the lawmakers not only condemned it, but demanded to arrest the attackers without any delay. Earlier, as the session started with Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani in the chair, PTI MPAs protested in the House when the Speaker did not allow them to move the resolution. This was the second protest in a week.  Last Friday, the uproar created by the joint opposition on this issue had compelled the Speaker to adjourn the session.  

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2019.