ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet approved significant financial measures on Thursday. This included a supplementary grant of Rs45 billion for defence and a 122 percent increase in the maximum retail price (MRP) of anti-rabies vaccines for public hospitals. The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Several key officials attended the meeting, including ministers for industries and power, and the minister of state for revenue. During the discussions, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination highlighted a critical shortage of anti-rabies vaccines at the Federal General Hospital Chak Shahzad in Islamabad.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad produces the vaccine, which was previously priced at Rs891.65. However, the market price of the WHO-approved rabies vaccine reached Rs2,126.40. The non-WHO-approved vaccine sold for Rs1,266.14. To remedy this situation, the ECC approved a proposal to increase the MRP of the NIH-produced rabies vaccine to Rs1,980 per vial (0.5ml per dose). This increase will help the institute cover the costs of imported materials and maintain a sufficient supply for public hospitals.
Additionally, the ECC approved a proposal to enhance the special allowance for Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) personnel. This allowance, equivalent to 20 daily allowances, aligns ANF compensation with that of other federal law enforcement agencies (LEAs). The meeting revealed that ANF salaries lagged behind those of other LEAs, despite similar job roles and risks. The increased allowance will cost Rs264.744 million, which the current fiscal year’s budget will accommodate.
Grant of Rs 45 billion
Moreover, the ECC sanctioned a supplementary grant of Rs45 billion for various already approved defence projects for the current fiscal year. This decision comes on the heels of approximately Rs60 billion in supplementary grants approved a few weeks ago for Operation Azm-i-Istehkam. These funds are in addition to the annual defence allocation approved in late June.
The meeting also addressed climate change issues. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination proposed a grant of Rs150 million to support Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22. The committee recognized Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and its active role in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. COP29 will offer Pakistan a platform to showcase domestic climate actions, such as renewable energy projects, afforestation initiatives, and disaster risk reduction strategies. The country plans to establish a Pakistan Pavilion at the event.
Lastly, the ECC reviewed a proposal from the Ministry of Interprovincial Coordination for a grant of Rs400 million to host the 14th edition of the South Asian Games in Pakistan in April next year. However, the committee deferred the proposal’s approval. They requested the ministry to resubmit the plan with a comprehensive approach, including proper cost estimates and funding strategies through sponsorships, commercial advertising, and government support.
Overall, the ECC’s decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing national security and public health while addressing pressing issues related to climate change and interprovincial cooperation.
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