Senate health committee approves e-cigarette regulation bill, retains four-year BDS programme
The Senate health committee approved an e-cigarette regulation bill and decided to keep the four-year BDS programme.Summary
The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services on Thursday approved the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Sarmad Ali. The committee unanimously recommended the bill after stakeholders were consulted and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority confirmed its capacity to test nicotine levels. The meeting also addressed the compliance of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) regarding formula milk advertisements. Additionally, the committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme from four to five years. While officials argued that an extra year was needed to align with international standards, Senator Rubina Khalid opposed the extension, emphasizing the need to improve curriculum and clinical training rather than increasing duration. Representatives from the Pakistan Association of Private Medical and Dental Institutions (Pami) expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of consultation. After deliberation, the committee unanimously decided to retain the four-year BDS programme, stressing that major reforms require comprehensive stakeholder consultation.
(Source：Dawn)
