On September 29, 2025 in Islamabad, Transparency International Pakistan (TI-P) in collaboration with Patients Not Profit convened the first-ever forum focused on Unethical Practices in the healthcare sector. The meeting aimed to confront persistent concerns about how unethical conduct affects patient safety, fairness in access to care, and public trust in medical institutions.
The powerful coalition brought together the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, Provincial Healthcare Commissions and health departments, alongside representatives of pharmaceutical companies, medical practitioners and professional associations. Parliamentarians, federal ministries, UN agencies, the World Bank and academic experts also participated to ensure the discussion reflected regulatory, clinical and policy perspectives.
Participants worked to diagnose the challenges posed by Unethical Practices and to identify practical steps for reform. Central to the forum was the commitment to develop a practical roadmap that aligns regulatory oversight, professional standards and institutional accountability to curb harmful practices and promote ethical care across public and private providers.
Speakers emphasized that tackling Unethical Practices requires coordinated action across government, regulators, industry and civil society. Strengthening governance, improving transparency in pharmaceutical and clinical interactions, and enhancing enforcement mechanisms were highlighted as priorities to protect patients and restore confidence in the health system.
The forum concluded with a clear call for follow-up consultations and collaborative drafting of the roadmap so that recommendations can be translated into policy and regulatory changes. Stakeholders affirmed the need to work in tandem to implement measures that will strengthen medical governance and ensure better outcomes for patients across Pakistan.
