KARACHI: Serious questions have emerged over the transparency of approvals granted by the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) after documents and allegations suggested that some nursing institutions may have received recognition despite previously adverse inspection observations and apparent non-approval recommendations.
The controversy has intensified after documents circulating in connection with Paradise College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Swat, indicate that the institution was inspected on December 31, 2024, where concerns were reportedly recorded regarding clinical affiliation requirements and documentation.
According to the available inspection-related document, the accreditation committee noted that the college had submitted a clinical affiliation MoU with a hospital claimed to have 300 beds, but verification reportedly found the facility had only 108 beds. The document further stated that the inspection report was considered incomplete or inappropriate, while the committee recommendation suggested the college should be issued a show-cause notice for alleged concealment of facts and asked to reapply after meeting the required conditions.
However, a separate PNMC letter dated May 13, 2026, shows Paradise College being granted recognition for GBSN, LHV and CNA programmes, allowing student admissions. This apparent contradiction has triggered serious concerns over whether regulatory procedures were bypassed, whether deficiencies were formally rectified, and whether the approval process followed due legal and institutional scrutiny.
Similar questions are being raised over other institutions after additional recognition letters surfaced, including approvals reportedly issued to institutions in Punjab, further fueling allegations of irregularities in the registration and accreditation process.
The controversy comes amid broader allegations circulating in health sector circles regarding possible corruption, favoritism and irregular approvals within PNMC. Some sources have alleged that certain institutions received recognition despite failing to meet prescribed standards. However, these allegations remain unverified independently, and no official evidence has yet been publicly produced to substantiate bribery claims.
The matter is politically sensitive because Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal had publicly spoken about resisting corruption and opposing irregular approvals in regulatory bodies. Critics now question whether the ministry has taken adequate oversight measures regarding PNMC’s recent decisions.
Key questions also remain unanswered: Were the deficiencies identified in the original inspection rectified? Was a fresh inspection conducted? Did the full council formally approve these recognitions through documented minutes? Was the accreditation committee’s earlier recommendation overturned through due process? On what basis were institutions allowed admissions?
Health and nursing stakeholders have called for a transparent inquiry into the approval process, urging the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination to clarify the legality of recent recognitions and publicly disclose the complete inspection, accreditation and council approval record.
