The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) today expressed deep concern over a serious crisis in the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and demanded an immediate judicial, impartial inquiry into the PMDC financial scandal, which has emerged following serious allegations made by the head of the council’s legal department. These allegations, ranging from financial irregularities to regulatory negligence, expose a state of deep trouble within the country’s key medical regulatory institution.
As a representative body of the medical community, the PMA states that the integrity of PMDC is crucial. They warn that an unstable or controversial regulator inevitably affects the robustness of the entire health system.
The PMA has highlighted several important issues reported in the media that require immediate clarification.
These include claims of unauthorized 100% increases in external legal fees and the circulation of “fake bills,” which are believed to be burdening the national exchequer and openly violating the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules.
Of further concern is that 15 permanent and temporary officers were forcibly prevented from their offices and transferred to “remote work,” which is being seen as an attempt to obstruct internal oversight and illegally centralize powers.
The presence of over 6,000 pending cases in various courts has been cited as clear evidence of a failed legal and administrative strategy within the council, resulting in significant financial losses and creating uncertain conditions for medical professionals.
Allegations of employee dismissals in violation of Service Regulations 2023 have not only created personal hardships but have also reportedly caused institutional embarrassment in judicial proceedings.
The PMA has raised a fundamental question to the Ministry of National Health and the Prime Minister’s Office: if the institution responsible for upholding ethical standards in the medical profession itself faces allegations of unethical behavior, then who is responsible for its oversight?
A regulatory body surrounded by doubts cannot adequately protect the interests of doctors nor ensure patient safety. The association insists that personal conflicts and procedural violations are undermining the merit-based foundation of Pakistan’s health infrastructure.
To restore the council’s credibility, the PMA has presented a series of demands.
First, they demand an immediate inquiry, led by a high court judge or an impartial high-level commission, to investigate the allegations leveled against the Registrar and PMDC administration.
Second, a forensic audit of PMDC’s legal and administrative expenses for the fiscal year 2025-2026 has been requested to ascertain the truth behind the exorbitant payments allegedly made to external legal advisors.
Third, the PMA demands protection against any punitive action or illegal dismissal for officers who point out irregularities.
Finally, they wish for all documents and decisions related to professional fees to be presented before the council members for legal approval or rectification.
The PMA has warned that failure to address these serious allegations with transparency and seriousness will cause irreparable damage to the confidence of the medical community and the public in PMDC. They consider it essential to expose the facts to the nation.