LAHORE: The Pakistan Association of Private Medical and Dental Colleges (PAMI) has expressed its concerns about the recent decision of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) of extending the duration of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme from four to five years.

PAMI’s reaction came when the University of Health Sciences (UHS) approved first-ever five-year BDS programme and sent the recommendations to the PMDC for final consideration. The UHS had granted approval in a syndicate meeting chaired by its Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore some days back.

Earlier, it was a four-year programme all over the country while the USA, UK and other countries were running the five-year programme.

PAMI President Prof Dr Chaudhry Abdul Rehman declared the PMDC’s notification about extension of the BDS programme a ‘trash document’ and a blatant violation of the PMDC Act 2002.

In a letter addressed to PMDC president Prof Dr Rizwan Taj on Tuesday, Mr Rehman said the association represented 110 institutions nationwide but the council bypassed it and other key stakeholders before deciding the future of medical students. Unfortunately, he added, the issuance of notification appeared to have overlooked the essential consultations with the stakeholders, including PAMI, medical educators and practitioners.

“While we recognise the importance of aligning medical and dental education with the global standards, it is imperative that the decisions of this magnitude are made following the due process in consultation with all the stakeholders,” says Prof Abdul Rehman.

He added that as per the PMDC Act 2002, it is the prerogative of National Medical & Dental Academic Board (NMDAB) to formulate the recommendations for curriculum and programme structures. “Contrary to the facts, it appears that the notification was issued without necessary input or recommendations from the NMDAB and approval from the academic council or the ministry in-charge was also not secured. This is not only ultra-vires of the PMDC Act 2002 but also undermines the credibility and inclusivity required for such decisions,” said the PAMI president.

The implications of this abrupt change are far-reaching, affecting students, institutions and the broader dental community, he said and added that it was essential to ensure that any revision to the BDS programme or its duration was evidence based, aligned with national needs, and made with broad consent of all the stakeholders to ensure its sanctity, veracity and practical implantation.

Following the situation, PAMI urged the PMDC to revoke the notification regarding the five-year BDS programme and engage with the association and other key stakeholders on the necessity, feasibility and structure of any proposed changes to the programme.

The PMDC was also urged to ensure that all future decisions adhere strictly to the consultative framework established under the PMDC Act 2002 and not in violation thereof.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024