Responding to social media reports about the absence of health department officials in the KP Assembly Standing Committee on Health meeting, the spokesperson for the Department of Health clarified that the KP Assembly and its committees hold paramount importance for the department.
The spokesperson explained that all staff related to Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs) were present at the meeting. If any staff members were absent and their presence was deemed necessary, it was not intended to undermine the dignity of the parliamentary process.
It was clarified that the Secretary of Health was in Islamabad to attend an important health-related meeting. Additionally, the Special Secretary and MTI staff attended the committee meeting on time. However, the Director General (DG) Health was unable to attend due to high blood pressure.
The spokesperson reiterated that the absence of certain officials was in no way intended as a disregard for the parliament. Both the Secretary of Health and the DG Health have previously attended all committee meetings in person.
The department has assured the committee and the public that, moving forward, the Secretary of Health and DG Health, along with relevant staff, will ensure their timely presence in all standing committee meetings.
