KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed deep concern over alleged large-scale corruption within the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), as revealed in a recent Intelligence Bureau (IB) report. In a strongly worded statement, the PMA demanded a transparent investigation into the matter, calling for urgent reforms, free and fair elections, and complete autonomy for the PMDC.
According to the PMA, the IB report has highlighted disturbing practices involving bribery, manipulation of recognition processes, and illegal allocation of seats for financial gain. The association warned that such actions severely damage the credibility of medical regulation and erode public trust in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Secretary General of the PMA, stated, “We demand an immediate, transparent, and impartial inquiry into these serious allegations. Those responsible must be held accountable without delay.”
The PMA criticized the existing practice of appointing individuals to the PMDC without democratic elections, claiming it has led to a compromised and interest-driven regulatory system. The association has called for the PMDC to be restructured into an independent and autonomous body, run by elected representatives from the medical community.
To address the crisis, the PMA has urged the federal government to:
- Conduct a thorough and transparent inquiry into the corruption allegations.
- Prosecute all individuals involved without leniency.
- Initiate the process for holding free and fair elections to restore credibility.
- Grant the PMDC complete autonomy to function independently and free from political or external influence.
The PMA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in medical education and practice in Pakistan.
“We will continue our efforts to uphold the highest standards in the medical profession for the greater good of the public and the country,” Dr. Shoro concluded.
