The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has strongly criticized amendments to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) registrar’s appointment process and expressed concerns about the council’s legality and transparency.

The PMA alleges that the current PMDC leadership is illegally constituted and lacks the authority to make such changes. They further contend that these “secret amendments” lack transparency and due process, damaging the PMDC’s credibility.

This controversy highlights ongoing administrative challenges within the PMDC. The council has frequently operated with an acting registrar, increasing instability and the risk of political influence and internal conflicts.

The PMDC has also faced criticism for other recent policy changes, including limiting the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) to candidates’ provinces of domicile and lowering the MDCAT eligibility criteria. The PMA has opposed these measures, deeming them detrimental to doctors and students.

The PMA’s opposition to the PMDC (and its predecessor, the Pakistan Medical Commission) is longstanding. The association has consistently challenged a hierarchical, non-participatory approach to medical profession governance, exemplified by its previous rejection of presidential ordinances allowing government nominations to the PMDC. The PMA advocates for an elected body representing the medical community.

The PMA believes that selections made by an administration they deem illegitimate will damage confidence in the PMDC and negatively impact the quality of medical education and healthcare nationwide.