Regulatory framework for lab tests, healthcare pricing under consideration: NA told

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Nelson Azeem on Monday

informed the National Assembly that the Islamabad Regulatory Authority, in collaboration with the Institute of

Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), had constituted a technical committee which submitted recommendations on regulating laboratory tests and other healthcare services, determining pricing, and

improving overall system management.

Responding to a calling attention notice regarding exorbitant fees charged by private doctors and costly laboratory

tests in private hospitals of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), he said that following these recommendations,

the matter was taken up in the Islamabad High Court, where proceedings are currently ongoing.

He added that, as a result, implementation of the proposed regulatory framework and pricing mechanism has been

put on hold until a court decision is made.

Responding to a question regarding the availability and cost of healthcare services in Islamabad, he acknowledged

that the capital has a high population compared to the limited number of public hospitals.

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He noted concerns that private hospitals and laboratories often charge arbitrarily high fees and, in some cases,

diagnostic tests may not meet uniform quality standards.

He further said that patients are often advised to undergo multiple tests, which can become financially burdensome, especially for lower-income groups.

However, he maintained that government healthcare facilities, including BHUs, RHCs, Polyclinic Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), and other facilities in areas such as Chak Shahzad, already provide laboratory testing services.

Despite the availability of public facilities, many people still prefer private hospitals and laboratories due to personal choice, which increases demand and consequently raises costs in the private sector, he added.

He said that a mechanism had been developed to standardise pricing for common and specialised laboratory tests

across the board, but its implementation remains suspended due to the ongoing case proceedings.

APP/zah-sra