Doctors in Islamabad may soon have to publicly disclose their fees and related expenses under a new consumer protection bill approved by a Senate committee.

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control approved the Islamabad Consumers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Monday. The bill was moved by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri and was approved unanimously.

The proposed law aims to give patients clearer information about doctors’ charges and improve transparency in healthcare services.

Senator Zehri said patients should know how much doctors charge and what other expenses they may have to pay. She also referred to court directions calling for changes to the relevant law.

Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry opposed the bill, saying the matter falls under the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA).

The Ministry of Law also opposed the proposal and suggested that IHRA officials be invited to brief the committee before further action.

During the meeting, Zehri criticised the opposition to her legislation and referred to the recent PIMS incident, saying more needed to be done to protect people.

Chaudhry maintained that healthcare-related legislation should be dealt with by the relevant health committee. He also warned that laws covering technical health matters could create implementation problems if prepared without the required expertise.

Committee Chairman Faisal Saleem Rehman said Parliament has the authority to make laws and government institutions should cooperate with lawmakers when legislation is being considered.