KARACHI: Prof Saqib Rashid, President Pakistan Dental Association (Center) , Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Center and PMA Karachi expressed concern on formation of Sindh Medical & Dental Council under the umbrella of the 18th constitutional amendment.
An emergent meeting of PMA Centre and PMA Karachi was held at the PMA House Karachi to discuss the issue of Sindh Medical & Dental Council (SMDC). It was noted with concern that the formation of SMDC using the 18th constitutional amendment is totally baseless, as there is no provision in this amendment for the devolution of regulatory bodies.
Prof Saqib Rashid, President Pakistan Dental Association (Center) has also condemned the decision. Talking to Medical News he said that this will dilute the PMDC as an entity and will create further confusion. Globally doctors and dentists are acknowledged by their PMDC numbers and what will happen when each province will start to have their own separate medical and dental councils. What will be the role of PMDC after that, he asked.
It is a misinterpretation of the 18th amendment by a group of people who have their own vested interests and ulterior motives. This group is putting the entire medical education in the country to the course of disaster for its own benefit.
The PMA also noted the advertisements published by the group in all reputable newspapers of the country spending in millions of rupees from the PMDC account, which was seen as a deplorable act. It is interesting to note that same persons are at both ends i.e. occupying PMDC illegally and involved in the formation of SMDC, congratulating each other. Members of PMA expressed their disappointment over the situation, and concern for the entire medical fraternity.
PMA has stated that matter will be taken to the court of law to stop this illegal and unconstitutional act, and to save the medical profession in the country.
