PMDC disarray: Parliamentary panel annuls executive body’s elections

The PMDC executive committee elections were held in April 2013 amid controversy and boycotts.

IThe PMDC executive committee elections were held in April 2013 amid controversy and boycotts. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD:


A sub-committee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Health has termed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) executive committee elections null and void.


The PMDC executive committee elections were held in April 2013 amid controversy and boycotts.

While sharing findings of an inquiry with members of the standing committee on health at Parliament House on Thursday, sub-committee member Dr Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti said that after seeking the law ministry’s point of view, the sub-committee has concluded that the elections were illegal.

In the light of the findings, the NA committee should direct the Ministry of National Services, Regulation and Coordination (NHSRC) to look into the matter and take legal action against PMDC officials who were involved in conducting illegal elections, the sub-committee recommended.

The NA committee chairman should also direct the health ministry to constitute a committee to hold fresh elections within 100 days, it said.


Bhatti expressed anger at the PMDC officials who were trying to challenge the authority of the NA standing committee and were continuously disobeying its orders.

“I will move a privilege motion in the NA against the PMDC,” he said.

He said that the sub-committee had asked PMDC officials to share details of their general council meetings, with them which they did not but they never did.

NA standing committee Zahra Wadood Fatemi said that it seems that PMDC officials have challenged the federation and think they are above the law.

Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho opposed the sub-committee recommendations and claimed the PMDC elections were held according to the rules and regulations. “The truth is that all the corruption and irregularities were committed during the time when Dr Nadeem Akbar was serving as the PMDC registrar,” she said.

NA Standing Committee on Health Chairman Khalid Hussian Magsi directed the health ministry to look into the issue and resolve the issue without further delay.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 1st, 2014.
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