KARACHI: The Central Council of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has strongly opposed the transfer of public healthcare facilities and their budgets to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private institutions, warning that such measures weaken the public healthcare system and reduce government accountability.
The decisions were announced following an emergent meeting of the PMA Central Council held at PMA House in Karachi under the chairmanship of PMA Centre President Dr. Izhar Ahmed Chaudhary.
The Council endorsed the notification issued by the President of PMA Balochistan regarding the formation of a provincial Election Commission to conduct PMA Balochistan elections within the next three months. The Commission has been authorized to independently decide the date, venue, and time of the elections.
The Council also condemned the recent suspension of doctors by the Government of Balochistan, describing the actions as harassment intended to suppress the legitimate concerns of the medical community.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, the PMA demanded immediate and effective security measures to ensure the safety of doctors and healthcare workers serving across Balochistan.
The meeting also raised serious reservations about the current MDCAT examination system, citing concerns over its transparency and fairness. The PMA called for comprehensive reforms to ensure a transparent and merit-based admission process for medical students.
Reaffirming its commitment to the medical profession, the PMA said it would continue to safeguard the rights of healthcare professionals and protect the public's access to quality, state-supported healthcare services.
