Senate panel seeks end to population-based NFC share formula

The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services has recommended that population size should no longer determine the share of provinces under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, arguing that the existing formula discourages efforts to control population growth and affects long-term planning.

The proposal was made during a meeting chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, where the committee examined the National Population and Reproductive Health Bill, 2026, along with broader health sector issues. These included medical admissions, vacant seats in medical and dental colleges, population trends and the proposed Public Sector Development Programme of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination for 2026–27.

Members stated that population growth continues to outpace job creation and public sector capacity. The chairman of the committee said that the current generation was already facing a shrinking job market and warned of greater pressure on future cohorts if growth remains unchecked.

During the discussion on the population bill, lawmakers called for a uniform national policy. 

Health ministry officials raised technical concerns, referring to a Federal Task Force on Population, but the ministry secretary informed the committee that the task force formed in 2021 was no longer functional, while provincial bodies remained active after devolution.