LAHORE: The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to establishment of four medical colleges in violation of rules and sought an explanation from Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

Hearing a suo motu case about the deteriorating condition of health sector at Lahore registry, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Mian Saqib Nisar observed that the PMDC itself was responsible for the sorry state of affairs in the health and medical education sectors.

Deputy Attorney General Zakriya Sheikh told the bench that 14 medical colleges of Lahore had submitted their reports in compliance with the court order. He pointed out that the PMDC allowed establishment of four more medical colleges in violation of rules. The law officer said the rules required a teaching college to maintain a hospital with capacity of 500 beds.

PMDC summoned for violating rules

However, this mandatory condition was ignored by the PMDC while allowing establishment of Sialkot Medical College, Fauji Foundation Medical College, HBS Medical College, Islamabad, and Akhtar Saeed Medical College.

Justice Nisar regretted that authorities at PMDC were involved in establishment of fake medical colleges. The bench directed the law officer to ensure appearance of the council’s officials on next hearing with complete record of the medical colleges approved in violation of rules.

The bench observed that a local commission could be formed for the inspection of all medical colleges. Further hearing was adjourned till March 25.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2016