PMA Demands Suspension of AHPC Act Allowing Technicians Independent Practice

PMA Raises Alarm Over Independent Practice by Technicians

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has voiced serious concerns over the government’s enforcement of the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC) Act. According to the PMA, the act creates a dangerous loophole by allowing technicians to operate independently, effectively legitimizing unauthorized medical practice.

With the June 30 registration deadline approaching, the PMA warned that the act could reverse years of progress made in curbing quackery. The association stressed that provincial healthcare commissions were originally established to restrict clinical practice to qualified doctors, but the new law undermines this framework.

Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Secretary General of the PMA, described the situation as a “bitter irony.” He explained that while healthcare commission laws were designed to prevent technicians from overstepping their roles, the AHPC Act now provides them with legal protection to open clinics and perform procedures without medical supervision.

The PMA condemned the government for finalizing and enforcing the act without consulting key stakeholders such as the PMA and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). The association argued that this lack of consultation has resulted in a flawed framework that ignores the clinical hierarchy and endangers patient safety.

While acknowledging the importance of allied health professionals in supporting the healthcare system, the PMA insisted that they must remain in supportive roles rather than becoming independent practitioners. The association demanded that the registration deadline be suspended until a joint committee of doctors and regulators can redefine the scope of practice for technicians.

The PMA also called for harmonization of the AHPC Act with existing healthcare commission laws to ensure that no allied professional can open a private clinic for independent medical treatment. Dr. Shoro emphasized that the PMA will take all necessary steps to protect public health and uphold the standards of the medical profession.

This development highlights a growing debate in Pakistan’s healthcare sector over the balance between expanding access to medical services and maintaining strict professional standards to safeguard patient safety.