PMA opposes plans to abolish PMDC, HEC

PMA expresses concern over a government plan to abolish PMDC and HEC as part of a restructuring and austerity drive

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed deep concern over a government plan to abolish the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as part of a restructuring and austerity drive.

In a meeting held on Monday, the PMA officer-bearers were of the opinion that such a move would be detrimental to the quality of medical education and healthcare in the country.

The PMDC and HEC play a crucial role in ensuring the maintenance of high standards in medical education, training and practice, stated a PMA statement. It added that abolition of these regulatory bodies would undermine the entire healthcare system and compromise the well-being of the people.

The PMA demanded that the government reconsider its plans, strengthen the institutions and empower them to effectively fulfill their mandates. The PMA also called on the government to engage in meaningful consultations with the medical community.