KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has strongly condemned reports of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) amending rules for appointing a Registrar, terming the decision controversial and lacking legitimacy.
Core Objections
In a statement issued by Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Secretary General of PMA (Centre), the association raised two major objections:
1. Illegitimate Administration: The PMA maintains that the current PMDC administration was illegitimately appointed, rendering its decisions — including the amendment of Registrar appointment rules — invalid.
2. Lack of Transparency: The PMA accused the council of pursuing a “backdoor amendment,” disregarding democratic procedures and transparency. According to the association, this approach undermines the credibility of the country’s primary regulatory body for medical and dental professions.
Broader Context of PMDC Controversies
The PMA stressed that the issue is not an isolated case but part of longstanding systemic mismanagement within the PMDC.
Ad-Hoc Appointments: The council has often relied on acting registrars for extended periods, creating instability and leaving it vulnerable to political influence and internal power struggles.
Controversial Decisions: The PMDC has faced widespread criticism over policy moves such as restricting the MDCAT exam to candidates’ home provinces and introducing a one-time reduction in MDCAT eligibility criteria, both opposed by the PMA.
History of Disputes: The PMA has consistently resisted what it views as a non-democratic, top-down approach to medical regulation. The association previously rejected a presidential ordinance that allowed the government to nominate PMDC members, instead advocating for a body elected by the medical community itself.
Erosion of Trust
The PMA warned that decisions made by an administration it considers illegitimate will further erode trust in the PMDC and harm the quality and standards of medical education and healthcare in Pakistan.
