PNMC at odds with health ministry

The Federal Ministry of Health and the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) are embroiled in a tug-of-war over various issues. The Acting Secretary of the PNMC has challenged the Ministry's call for an extraordinary meeting of the Council in the Islamabad High Court. The court issued a stay order on the Council's meeting.

According to sources, there is an ongoing dispute between the PNMC and the Ministry of Health over several issues. In this context, the Ministry had called an extraordinary meeting of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council on May 3, during which the principal of PIMS Nursing College, Khairun Nisa, was assigned additional charge as Secretary of the PNMC.

The Secretary of PNMC, through advocate Taimur Aslam, argued in court that under the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Act 1973-2023, the President of the Council has the authority to call Council meetings. The petition further stated that the PNMC is an autonomous body, and the federal government does not have the authority to interfere in its affairs.

The court accepted the petition for hearing, issued notices to the relevant parties, and adjourned further proceedings until May 30. It also issued an injunction to halt the implementation of the office memorandum from May 3.

Meanwhile, sources have revealed that a major point of contention is the issue of the Council President's degree, which has led to a case being registered with the FIA.