Amendments in PMDC laws for restructuring

New Amendments in PMDC act for restructuring and revamping

The National Assembly's Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Co-ordination (NHSR&C) has recommended new amendments to Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) Act to restructure and revamp the council and improve its performance.

Earlier, a sub-committee under Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti presented a report on the operations and appointments in PMDC. It recommended to dissolve the existing executive body, as elections of executive council were illegal and recommended constitution of a caretaker body.

The standing committee accepted the report and suggested that PMDC may clarify its position to the committee in next meeting. Minister of State for NHSR&C Saira Afzal Tarrar said that PMDC was not working up to the mark. In the current situation, the government is helpless in the matters related to appointment of executive body. The body regularly held meetings, but didnot send the minutes of the meetings to the ministry. There is a dire need of amendments in the law to clear its position and the ministry's jurisdiction.

The main committee recommended amendments to the law, while stopping PMDC from holding any meeting and making any decisions till further recommendations after the inquiry. The committee also expressed concerns over the absence of President PMDC and asked him ensure his presence in the next meeting.

The sub-committee also termed the appointment of Registrar PMDC as illegal. Secretary of NHSR&C informed the committee that Registrar was appointed for six months with special assignment to hold elections. After the elections, the ministry wrote letters to Establishment division to relieve the Registrar of PMDC and the division relieved him. However, the President of PMDC obtained a stay order.

PMDC officials informed the committee that President PMDC was ill and was unable to attend the committee's meeting. Upon which the committee gave the President PMDC one week to appear before the committee and apprise it about the prevalent situation of the institutions. The body also asked the additional secretary of Law Ministry to attend the next meeting and appraise the committee regarding the legal aspects of PMDC matters.