KARACHI: Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Secretary General of Pakistan Medical Association (Centre) has issued the following press release regarding the functioning of Pakistan Medical & Dental Council.
“The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has strongly condemned media reports regarding the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) decision to amend the rules for appointing a Registrar. The PMA’s opposition is rooted in a history of controversy and alleged mismanagement within the PMDC itself.
PMA’s Core Objections and its argument is based on two primary points:
• Illegitimate Administration: The PMA holds the opinion that the current PMDC administration was illegitimately appointed. In PMA’s view, this invalidates any significant decision made by the council, including the changes to the appointment rules.
• Lack of Transparency: The PMA asserts that the changes are being made through a “backdoor amendment,” which suggests a lack of transparency and a disregard for proper, democratic processes. According to the PMA, this approach undermines the integrity of the institution responsible for regulating the entire medical and dental profession in Pakistan.
Broader Context of PMDC Controversies:
This conflict is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of deeper, systemic issues that have affected the PMDC for years. Key points include:
• Ad-Hoc Appointments: The PMDC has frequently operated without a permanent registrar, relying on acting officials for extended periods. This practice creates institutional instability and makes the council vulnerable to political pressure and internal power struggles.
• Controversial Decisions: The PMDC has faced significant backlash for other recent policy changes, such as restricting the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) to candidates’ home provinces. The PMA has also opposed decisions it believes are against the best interests of doctors and students, such as a one-time reduction in the MDCAT eligibility criteria.
• History of Disputes: The conflict between the PMA and the PMDC (and its predecessor, the Pakistan Medical Commission) is not new. The PMA has a long history of vocal opposition to what it sees as a top-down, non-democratic approach to the governance of the medical profession. For example, the PMA previously rejected a presidential ordinance that allowed the government to nominate members to run the PMDC, arguing instead for a body that is elected by and representative of the medical community.
The PMA believes that these kinds of decisions, made by an administration they consider illegitimate, will continue to erode trust in the PMDC and negatively impact the quality and standards of medical education and healthcare in the country.”
