Medical bodies express concern over PMC bill

ISLAMABAD: Representatives of various medical organisations have expressed reservations over the recently passed Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) bill, claiming that it will give unlimited autonomy to private medical and dental colleges in fixing fees and admitting students.

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), a representative body of health professionals, said the step would deteriorate the standard of medical education and create problems for doctors serving abroad after the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is abolished.

The Pakistan Association of Private Medical and Dental Institutions (PAMI) seemed to be satisfied with the bill but claimed that the decision to pay remuneration for house jobs would leave them with no option but to increase fees.

However, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said it was time the medical and dental institutions were left on their own with the government only checking the graduates through exit exams. No graduate would be able to practice without clearing the exit exam, he said.

Last week, the Pakistan Medical Commission Act 2020 was passed in a joint session after which it was sent to the president for approval. Once the bill becomes an act, PMDC will be abolished and replaced by PMC.

Last year, PMC Ordinance was promulgated which not only abolished the PMDC but also terminated services of 220 employees of the council.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court declared the ordinance null and void and reinstated the employees.

According to the bill, the PMC will have three components — The Medical and Dental Council (MDC), The National Medical and Dental Academic Board (NMDAB) and The National Medical Authority (NMA).

MDC will have nine members with three from the civil society nominated by the prime minister.

Among them will be a nationally-recognised philanthropist or person of known repute, a legal professional and a chartered accountant.

The other three members will be licenced medical practitioners with at least 15 years of experience, also nominated by the prime minister.

However, those serving on the posts of vice chancellor, dean, principal or administrator as well as owners or shareholders of a medical or dental university, college or hospital will not be eligible.