SHC issues notices to PMDC, others on plea against amendments in law

Karachi

The Sindh High Court on Friday issued notices to the ministry of national health services, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and others, seeking urgent hearing on a petition challenging amendments in the PMDC law through an ordinance.

Petitioner Dr Naushad Ahmed Sheikh submitted that amendments were made in the PMDC law through an ordinance for electing members of the council last year, but it had lapsed on April 25, 2016.

He submitted that the ordinance was introduced to take over the control of the regulatory authority despite that fact that no legislation in reference to the medical profession could be done without approval from the Council of Common Interests.

Dr Sheikh submitted that the PMDC had taken several decisions despite the fact that the ordinance had lapsed without being part of the Act, and any PMDC operations under the ordinance had become defunct.

He requested the court to restrain the PMDC from implementing any decision or take any step and to also restore the council and executive committee as per the Act.

CHK corruption case

The Sindh High Court has directed the provincial anti-corruption department and others to file comments on a petition against alleged corruption in construction of the ICU project in the Civil Hospital Karachi.

THe petitioner submitted that millions of rupees had been embezzled in construction of the hospital’s ICU, but no action had been taken against former officials of the civil hospital who were involved in malpractices.

Petitioner’s counsel Shaukat Hayat submitted that the anti-corruption department had closed the enquiry initiated against Dr Tipu Sultan and others despite collection of evidence.

The court directed the anti-corruption department and others to file comments with regard to status of the enquiry at the nest hearing.