THIS refers to the letter ‘PMDC vs HEC’ (May 31). I fully endorse the views expressed by the learned professor. No doubt, the quality of medical journals is already being judged by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) journal committee of senior professors.

There is hardly any need to duplicate this activity by any other institution, for it will be simply an extravagant practice and a burden on the national exchequer.

It is also noteworthy that the subject of medical journalism does not fall under the ambit of the HEC ordinance promulgated by Gen Pervez Musharaf vide proclamation of emergency dated Oct 14, 1999, i.e., Provisional Constitutional (amendment) Order No 9 of 1999.

Hence, retrieval of the subject from HEC to PMDC will not require any statutory involvement. In the interest of our financially-starved nation, the prime minister and finance minister to withdraw this financial irregularity.

Name withheld on request
Northwest Calgary, Canada

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2019