News Report
Islamabad : The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has declared that clinical practice by pharmacists, psychologists, and dental technicians is illegal, in a major move aimed at regulating the country’s healthcare sector.
In an official communication to the Ministry of National Health Services, the PMDC expressed serious concern over the rising trend of unauthorized medical treatment, often described as quackery. The council stated that only qualified and registered doctors and dentists are legally permitted to diagnose patients, prescribe medicines, and perform clinical procedures.
The regulatory body clarified that allied health professionals—including pharmacists, psychologists, and dental technicians—are not authorized to carry out clinical treatments or prescribe medications under any circumstances. It emphasized that all forms of allopathic medical and surgical practice are strictly restricted to practitioners registered with the PMDC.
The council also highlighted significant public health risks associated with unregulated practices, warning that such activities contribute to the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis. Specific concerns were raised about vulnerable regions, including Islamabad and Mirpurkhas.
Calling the situation alarming, the PMDC urged relevant authorities to take immediate and strict action against unauthorized practitioners and ensure enforcement of existing healthcare laws. The council stressed that illegal clinical practices pose a direct threat to patient safety and must be eliminated without delay.
Health experts believe this decision reflects a broader effort to address gaps in Pakistan’s healthcare regulation, where unlicensed practitioners have continued to operate due to weak oversight. They have called for stronger monitoring systems and increased public awareness to safeguard patients from unsafe and illegal treatments.
