PMDC Faces Corruption Allegations as Legal Chief Raises Rule Violations

Allegations of Mismanagement Shake PMDC

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has come under scrutiny after its former legal department head submitted allegations of corruption, rule violations, and administrative irregularities to multiple government offices, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Health Ministry, and the Supreme Court Human Rights Cell.

According to the application, the PMDC legal department is currently handling over 6,000 court cases, which the complainant linked to alleged mismanagement. The legal chief accused Registrar Dr Rehan Naqvi of increasing professional fees and charges for external lawyers by up to 100 percent without proper authorization, causing losses to the public exchequer.

The complaint also alleged that a PMDC lawyer issued bogus fee invoices, a malpractice flagged by the finance department earlier this year. The legal chief claimed he recommended disciplinary action, but Dr Naqvi blocked the move, allegedly supporting corrupt practices.

Further accusations include:

• Directing subordinate officers to address him as the “competent authority” in official correspondence.
• Approving note sheets without referring them to the PMDC president, bypassing legal requirements.
• Forcing around 15 officers to work from home due to personal disputes, creating unrest and anxiety.
• Removing staff in violation of the Employee Service Regulations 2023, leading to litigation and subsequent reinstatements by courts.

In his written response, Registrar Dr Rehan Naqvi categorically rejected the allegations. He insisted that all decisions were made on merit, reviewed by the council and president, and aligned with rules and regulations. He further noted that the legal director had only served at PMDC for about two weeks, making his objections irrelevant.

The contrasting accounts highlight deep divisions within PMDC’s internal management. While the legal chief paints a picture of corruption and irregular practices, the registrar maintains that the council operates transparently and within the law.

This controversy raises pressing questions about governance in Pakistan’s medical regulatory body. With thousands of legal cases already burdening the council, the allegations—whether proven or not—underscore the urgent need for accountability and stronger oversight in institutions responsible for healthcare regulation.