Latest news with #PakistanMedicalandDentalCouncil
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Medical and dental colleges in country: Senate body concerned over mushroom growth
ISLAMMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services and Regulations Tuesday expressing serious concern over the mushroom growth of medical and dental colleges in the country has asked the relevant quarters to ensure global regulatory standards in medical education of the country. The committee meeting held here under the Chairmanship of Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti to discuss matters related to various health issues. During the Senator Atta-ur-Rehman raised concerns, stating that previously there used to be only one or two medical colleges, but now there are several located even within a single street. He questioned what criteria are currently in place for opening a medical college or university. The officials of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) informed the Committee that certain standards and bylaws exist. He added that new, stricter standards have been introduced because the previous ones were inadequate, and that the new laws were specifically designed to address those shortcomings. Furthermore, the Federal Minister for Health explained that students who are unable to pass the medical entry test often go to Central Asia for education. However, upon returning, their competence does not match the required standard of a qualified medical student, and in the process, their parents end up wasting a significant amount of money. The chairman committee remarked that this situation highlights a positive aspect if new medical colleges are established while meeting the required criteria, it would not only increase patient beds in hospitals but also prevent students from spending around 5.5 million rupees abroad, only to return with substandard education. The committee members discussed the consideration of a private member's Bill titled "The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025" introduced by Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, in the Senate sitting held on 19th May, 2025 referred to the Committee for consideration and report. Dr Mohammed Humayun stated that just like other Councils, Parliamentarians should also be part of the PM&DC Council. The President of PM&DC, Dr Rizwan Taj, responded that Parliamentarians cannot be part of the PM&DC Council and have never been in the past. The Chairman Committee refuted this, by stating that you are mistaken Parliamentarians have, in fact, served as Council members on multiple occasions in the past. The Federal Minister, for Health Mustafa Kamal told the committee that our democratic conditions are not favorable enough to include Parliamentarians as Council members and even I am not a part of the PM&DC Council. Senator Humayun Mohmand remarked, that If you include a member from one sector in the Council, then members should be included in other Council as well. Addressing the Committee, the Minister stated his opposition to the bill. Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui remarked that there is no fundamental issue with the bill. He emphasized the vital role of Parliamentarians in legislation and policy-making. Moreover, he stated that we sit in Committees every day to resolve issues and legislate in the House. If we are being given the opportunity to improve a system ourselves, that is a positive step. He said that It is we who legislate, we who listen to the people's issues, and if we are included, we can truly make a difference. Senator Humayun also said if you convince me that parliamentarian should not be member of council I will withdrawal the bill. Senator Talal Chaudhry was also in favour of this bill and stated that either the government should remove everyone from the council, or political members should also be included. Following this, after details deliberations the Chairman Committee recommended that further deliberations will be held in the next meeting. He stressed the importance of incorporating recommendations from both sides, ensuring that all stakeholders are heard before reaching a final decision. Dr. Mohammed Humayun also presented another bill, Consideration of a Private Member's Bill titled "The Mental Health (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduced by Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, in the Senate sitting held on 19 May, 2025 referred to the Committee for consideration and report, which proposed an amendment to a definition clause. He pointed out that the term "psychologist" had been included in the definition, while "psychiatrist" had been omitted. After which, the Chairman Committee recommended that the amendment be made and brought forward for discussion in the next meeting. A comprehensive briefing was also given by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council on the future plan of MDCAT examination and Health Services Academy. The MDCAT officials told that there are different provisions for MDCAT in the PM&DC Act. Section 9(2)(f) of the Act provides for the Council to make rules and regulations for the conduct of admissions and examinations to be conducted by each province, Islamabad Capital Territory and Gilgit-Baltistan. Section 13(c) provides for the National Medical & Dental Academic Board to formulate the examination procedure and structure for the MDCAT to be conducted by the respective provinces for approval of the Council. Further they briefed that the MDCAT result of one province shall be valid for the entire country and shall be valid for a period of three years. Each province, GB and ICT shall give preference to the students having domicile of their respective province or territory as the case may be. The PM&DC deadline for completion of MBBS / BDS admissions for coming session is 28 February 2026. The Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy briefed the Committee about the institution. During the briefing, he stated that no ban had ever been imposed on the Academy. The Chairman Committee pointed out that a ban had, in fact, been imposed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The Vice Chancellor acknowledged this, clarifying that the ban was later uplifted. To this, the Chairman remarked, and then you should not have claimed that no ban was ever imposed. The meeting was attended by Senators Syedaal khan (Deputy Chairman Senate) Dr Mohammed Humayun Mohammed, Tallal badar, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Irfan ul Siddiqui, Fawzia Arshad, Atta Ur Rehman (Mover) and senior management from the Ministry/relevant departments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Three-year ban on new medical colleges
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) informed the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services on Tuesday that a three-year ban has been imposed on the registration of new medical colleges because of a shortage of teaching faculty. The committee, which met here with Senator Aamir Waleeduddin in the chair, discussed the PMDC Amendment Bill moved by Senator Humayun Mohmand. The bill proposed to include parliamentarians in the PMDC board. However, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal opposed the proposal. PMDC President Dr Rizwan Taj said that parliamentarians had never been part of the board, but the chair corrected him, stating that a senator and a MNA used to sit on the board. Irfan Siddiqui said that the inclusion of political people would not change the institution's structure. Mustafa Kamal told the committee that even he, as the health minister, was not part of the PMDC board. He maintained that Pakistan's medical professionals were still respected globally, and political involvement could undermine their reputation.
Express Tribune
03-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
NA panel for more weightage to MDCAT in college admissions
The National Assembly standing committee on Health on Thursday proposed various reforms in the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT), including increasing its weightage for the admission to the college. The committee met with its chairman Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani in the chair. The meeting discussed matters pertaining to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), the medical education examination system, regulatory failures in the healthcare sector and other issues. The committee raised serious questions over the reforms in the medical examinations and the performance of the PMDC. The committee was informed that MDCAD would be held on Sunday, October 5, throughout the country. The committee expressed concern over the lack of transparency, disparity between the exams boards and injustice in the MDCAT. It suggested that the weightage of the result of the MDCAT should be increased, so that deserving students could get opportunities to attain medical education. The committee also proposed a central examination system and the creation of a databank of about 3,000 to 4,000 standard questions for all the provinces. The committee also questioned an unfair de-registration of colleges by the PMDC, political interference and injustice in students' registration. The committee also discussed complaints about various medical colleges and hospitals. It directed for prompt action to resolve the problems facing the students who have graduated from Kyrgyzstan.
Business Recorder
01-07-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Medical/dental education: PMDC, ACCME developing CPD regulatory system
ISLAMABAD: To bring national medical/dental education system at par with the global standards and recognition of Pakistan's healthcare profession globally, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) has started developing a continuing professional development (CPD) regulatory system. In this connection, the PMDC held two and a half day strategy sessions focusing on developing a regulatory framework for CPD in Pakistan during a high-level ACCME delegation visit to the PMDC. Participants from leading institutions attended the sessions engaged in extensive discussions and strategic deliberations, marking a significant step forward in elevating CPD practices in Pakistan. The participants discussed the global trends and evolving landscape of healthcare at length. The event was designed as an intensive, interactive learning experience aimed at developing and implementing a future-ready, globally-recognised CPD regulatory framework in the country. The sessions were facilitated by Dr Rizwan Taj, president of the PMDC, Dr Graham Mc Mahon, president and CEO of the ACCME, Dr Dion Richetti, vice president of Accreditation ACCME, and International Consultant for Collaborations and Recognition, who brought rich insights from both local and international perspectives. The ACCME is a Chicago-based non-profit organisation that accredits organisations offering continuing medical education in the US and around the world. The new evidence-based CPD system will enhance the quality of patient care and the country's medical education system in Pakistan. It will help to increase the employability and recognition of its medical and healthcare workforce in the region and globally. The ACCME and PMDC leadership team also met with Syed Mustafa Kamal, Minister for National Health Services and Regulations and other senior officials. As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen medical services, the minister expressed full support during the meeting with the ACCME delegation for the betterment of the country. The PMDC has been working diligently with local and international partners to design and implement global best practices in the country. In support of the minister's vision to enhance and expedite medical and health services nationwide, the session focused on key strategies and initiatives. Dr Taj said the PMDC will implement a nationally-integrated CPD system, ushering in a new era of professional excellence and global alignment in healthcare education. The implementation of a globally-recognised CPD system marks a transformative milestone for healthcare in Pakistan. A structured and evidence-based CPD framework will not only elevate the standards of medical practice but also ensure that healthcare professionals remain competent, current, and patient-focused throughout their careers. He added that this plan will lead to improved patient outcomes, strengthen public trust in the healthcare system, and will support Pakistan's medical education standards with international benchmarks. It will also significantly enhance the professional mobility, employability, and recognition of Pakistani healthcare professionals both regionally and globally. Dr Taj said 'the PMDC is proud to lead this strategic transformation in partnership with the ACCME and other esteemed national and international stakeholders. We remain committed to developing a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and excellence in healthcare delivery across the country,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Conference urges safer, standardised aesthetic practices
While looking beautiful is every individual's right, aesthetic procedures should only be performed by trained and registered professionals, stressed President of the Dermatology and Aesthetic Association of Pakistan (DAAP), Dr Bilal Shah, at the DAAPCon 2025 conference. The moot, held under DAAP's auspices, stressed the need to standardise and regulate aesthetic and beauty practices in the country, highlighting the growing trend of receiving cosmetic treatments, as well as the consequences of lack of knowledge and unstandardised aesthetic practices in Pakistan. Many dermatologists and aesthetic physicians participated in the event, while pharmaceutical companies also set up stalls. Dr Bilal Shah stated that undergoing aesthetic procedures at the hands of untrained individuals is not only dangerous but often leads to permanent damage, urging the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and relevant regulatory bodies, to take action against substandard clinics and unqualified individuals. Celebrity dermatologist and organising committee member Dr Zara Shah stated that actresses and models commonly face pressure to lose weight or get nose reshaping, even though they often do not need these procedures. She explained that young girls also get expensive treatments like lip fillers and nose jobs, but due to a lack of knowledge, end up damaging their faces. Dr Zara further noted that aesthetic procedures start at around Rs5,000 and can go up to Rs250,000-300,000 for advanced treatments. She explained that laser treatments are used to remove unwanted facial hair, eliminate melasma (dark patches), and enhance the overall appearance of the face, with many girls aspiring to achieve 'Korean glass skin', although it is important to understand the genetic differences between populations. Additionally, she noted that exosome therapy is now being used to enhance beauty and maintain youthful skin, explaining that exosomes are natural particles in the body that help repair and regenerate skin. This therapy treats issues like pigmentation, wrinkles, acne, and hair loss, providing a collagen boost to the skin without surgery, making it look younger and fresher. The conference offered the opportunity to learn about the latest aesthetic technologies, devices, and the experiences of medical professionals, with the aim of delivering better, safer, and more standardised, aesthetic services to Pakistani society.
