PIC Asks Health Ministry To Finalise Complaints About Islamabad Rehabilitation Centre

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has directed the Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, to conclude proceedings on complaints regarding the establishment of a rehabilitation centre allegedly in a dilapidated building in Islamabad.

The direction came during the hearing of an appeal filed by a citizen who had sought updates on complaints submitted in connection with the rehabilitation centre.

During the proceedings, a representative of the Ministry of National Health Services apprised the Commission of the status of the complaints filed by the applicant. The ministry stated that the matter was under process and would be placed before the competent authority for consideration.

The ministry also informed the Commission that the Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, would examine the applications.

The Commission noted that the status of both complaints sought by the complainant had been disclosed during the proceedings and that both complaints remained under process.

The PIC observed that, in light of the preamble of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, transparency and good governance should be ensured in government departments while performing statutory obligations.

It further observed that a statutory timeframe is prescribed for deciding complaints and inquiries, adding that complaints and applications should be addressed, particularly when they concern important health-related issues.

After the status of the complaints was disclosed, the Commission held that no further proceedings were required and disposed of the appeal.