PMDC faces backlash over registrar induction

Sources say newly-appointed official terminated twice by council over misconduct

ISLAMABAD:

The appointment of a new registrar at the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has ignited widespread controversy. Sources within the Ministry of Health revealed to The Express Tribune that Dr Shaista Faisal was previously terminated twice by the council over serious allegations and disputes that could not be reconciled.

Her return to such a prominent role has raised questions about the transparency of the appointment process and concerns regarding the integrity of the council's decision-making.

Dr Faisal's appointment follows the tenure of Dr Imdad, who had served as the acting registrar for nearly nine months. Dr Imdad had a unique career within PMDC, as he previously held the role of manager of examinations at the now-defunct Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), before being reinstated at the PMDC. Sources suggest that he was a well-regarded employee, making his replacement by Dr Faisal particularly controversial.

Critics of the new appointment argue that Dr Shaista's past conduct does not meet the ethical standards expected of someone in such a significant position.

In 2019, she was dismissed from the council on two key charges. The first involved the illegal reinstatement of a council employee who had been removed on disciplinary grounds. The second charge related to her role in the illegal recognition of Khairpur Medical College, a decision that was deemed a gross misrepresentation to the council. Despite these serious accusations, she was recently reinstated following a legal battle, which culminated in the case being referred back to the PMDC from the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

However, there are concerns that the reinstatement process was not transparent. Reports suggest that a lawyer representing PMDC was abruptly changed, and crucial details about the case were withheld from the court, including the fact that Dr Faisal's initial appeal had already been rejected.

Adding to the controversy, sources have disclosed that several employees, including Dr Shaista Faisal, recently received promotions through what some describe as a questionable process. It is alleged that millions of rupees were involved in securing these promotions.

A source familiar with the situation, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the promotions were granted with the stroke of the PMDC president's pen, leading to suspicions that the president was acting under the influence of a particular group within the council.

When The Express Tribune attempted to reach out to PMDC President Dr Rizwan Taj for comment, he directed the inquiry back to Dr Shaista Faisal, declining to provide his stance on the matter.