Pakistan Medical Commission

Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), formerly known as the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC), is the statutory regulatory authority responsible for the regulation of medical and dental education and practice by medical and dental practitioners in Pakistan. It aims to establish uniform standards of medical and dental education, training, and practice to ensure the quality of healthcare services provided to the Pakistani population.

History

The PMC was established under the Pakistan Medical Commission Act 2020, replacing the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) which had been in existence since 1962. The transition to PMC was aimed at modernizing and enhancing the regulatory framework governing the medical and dental professions in Pakistan, addressing the challenges and requirements of contemporary medical education and practice.

Structure

The structure of the Pakistan Medical Commission includes several key bodies:

• The Medical and Dental Council: The core regulatory body responsible for setting standards for medical and dental education, accreditation of medical and dental colleges, and registration of practitioners.
• The National Medical and Dental Academic Board: This board is tasked with developing the curriculum for medical and dental education and overseeing the conduct of examinations.
• The National Medical Authority: Responsible for licensing examinations, registration of medical and dental practitioners, and ensuring their compliance with professional standards.

Functions

The primary functions of the PMC include:

• Accreditation of medical and dental colleges in Pakistan.
• Registration of medical and dental practitioners.
• Standardization of medical and dental education across the country through curriculum development and examination regulation.
• Ensuring ethical practice and discipline among medical and dental practitioners.
• Conducting licensing examinations for medical and dental graduates.

Controversies

The transition from PM&DC to PMC was met with mixed reactions from the medical community. Some stakeholders welcomed the reforms introduced by the PMC, while others expressed concerns over the manner of its establishment and the potential implications for medical education and practice in Pakistan. The debate continues as the PMC works to establish its role and authority within the healthcare sector.

See Also

• Medical education in Pakistan
• List of medical schools in Pakistan
• Healthcare in Pakistan

External Links

• Official website of the Pakistan Medical Commission