KARACHI, June 19: A separate cell has been created in the health department which will deal specifically with the Public Private Partnership cases.

This was told to Dawn by the health secretary on Thursday.

Two new cases that would be handled by the cell involved the privatization of the radiology and burns departments of the Civil Hospital Karachi. Agreements with various parties have been initialled in this regard, said the medical superintendent of the hospital.

The performance of the two departments would improve as a result of the PPP initiative, claimed the MS.

PMDC Recognition: The Muhammad Medical College of Mirpurkhas had been recognized provisionally by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, claimed the managing trustee of the Muhammad Foundation Trust on Thursday.

Dr S. Razi Muhammad faxed a Pakistan Medical and Dental Council letter to the offices of Dawn which said after inspection the PMDC had decided to provisionally recognize the Mohammad Medical College. The letter read: “The Council after listening to the convener of the inspection team and considering the recommendations of the inspection team decided that the Mohammad Medical College, Mirpurkhas, may be given provisional recognition for a period of one year for 50 admissions.”

The letter is dated May 25, 2003, and was initialled by Dr Riffat Ansari, an assistant secretary.

Meanwhile, the Sindh Medical College, Karachi, is also recognized by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.