ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has formally approved and enforced a comprehensively revised Code of Ethics for all Registered Medical and Dental Practitioners (RMDPs) and recognized institutions across the country, marking what it describes as a major step toward strengthening patient safety and professional accountability.
The revised Code, endorsed by the Council after two years of review, aims to address contemporary clinical realities, close regulatory gaps, and align national standards with evolving legal and professional frameworks.
Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, President PM&DC, the Council undertook a detailed re-evaluation of ethical guidelines governing medical and dental practice. In his official statement, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj said adherence to ethical standards remains the foundation of safe, high-quality healthcare and public trust in the medical profession.
He stated that the updated Code places patient safety, dignity, confidentiality, and informed consent at its core, while reinforcing accountability in clinical practice, research, teaching, and professional conduct. The framework also strengthens disciplinary oversight, promotes non-discrimination and equitable care, and provides clearer guidance on managing conflicts of interest.
According to the Council, the revised Code directly addresses emerging ethical challenges and establishes enforceable standards to ensure healthcare delivery in Pakistan meets high benchmarks of safety and professionalism.
A significant component of the reform is the introduction of inclusive guidelines for the admission and professional practice of persons with disabilities. These measures align with national disability laws and Pakistan’s international commitments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the World Health Organization Global Disability Action Plan, and standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
The revised Code introduces a structured 2–5 percent disability quota in recognized medical and dental institutions. Admissions will be determined through functional capacity assessments alongside established academic criteria, including MDCAT and FSc/IBCC equivalence requirements.
Eligibility for licensure and practice will be based on the ability to safely perform essential professional duties, supported by reasonable accommodations such as assistive technologies, adapted training environments, accessible facilities, and modified examination arrangements.
To ensure transparency and standardization, PM&DC will establish multidisciplinary Medical Fitness Boards at federal and provincial levels. These boards will include relevant specialists and a disability rights representative to conduct functional assessments, recommend appropriate disciplines, certify fitness for licensure with accommodations where necessary, and provide an appeals process. Reassessment will be conducted periodically, including a review every five years.
Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj emphasized that while inclusion is a legal and ethical obligation, patient safety remains paramount. He stated that no candidate will be denied opportunity solely on the basis of disability; however, formal assessment will determine the capacity to perform essential duties safely and effectively.
Recognized institutions have been directed to establish Disability Support Units, train faculty in inclusive practices, and submit annual compliance reports. The Council warned that regulatory action may be taken in cases of non-compliance or concealment of safety-related conditions.
The revised Code of Ethics has come into immediate effect, and implementation will be monitored through structured oversight and enforcement mechanisms. The Council termed the reform a defining moment for healthcare governance in Pakistan, reaffirming its commitment to ethical standards, inclusive excellence, and safe, dignified care for patients nationwide.
