KARACHI: Sindh Young Doctor Association (YDA) has rejected the recently passed Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) bill, claiming that it will give unlimited autonomy to private medical and dental colleges in fixing fees and admitting students.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi today (Saturday), the association’s chairman Dr. Umar Sultan asserted that the step would deteriorate the standard of medical education and create problems for doctors serving abroad after the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is abolished.
The association chairman further claimed that the recently passed bill will have serious consequences. “The decision to pay remuneration for house jobs would leave them with no option but to increase fees,” he added.
Earlier in September, the Pakistan Medical Commission Act 2020 was passed in a joint session after which it was sent to the president for approval. Once the bill becomes an act, PMDC will be abolished and replaced by PMC.
On the occasion, PM’s Special Assistant on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said that it was time the medical and dental institutions were left on their own with the government only checking the graduates through exit exams. “No graduate would be able to practice without clearing the exit exam,” he said.
Last year, PMC Ordinance was promulgated which not only abolished the PMDC but also terminated services of 220 employees of the council.