Notices issued as status of PMDC law challenged in SHC

Karachi

The Sindh High Court on Wednesday issued notices to the ministry of national health services, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and others on a petition challenging amendments in the PMDC law through an ordinance.

Petitioner Dr Naushad Ahmed Sheikh submitted that amendments were made in the PMDC law through an ordinance for electing members of the council last year, but the same had lapsed on April 25, 2016.

He submitted that the impugned ordinance was introduced to take over control of the regulatory authority despite that fact that no legislation in reference to the medical profession could be done without approval from the Council of Common Interests.

Dr Shaikh submitted that a PMDC meeting was scheduled to be held on May 4 to take several decisions despite the fact that the ordinance had lapsed without being part of the Act, and any PMDC operations under the ordinance were defunct.

He requested the court to restrain the PMDC from implementing any decision or take any step and restore the council and executive committee as per the Act.

The SHC division bench headed by Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah issued notices to the deputy attorney general, PMDC and others and called their comments on May 24. The court also observed that any decision taken by the council in the meanwhile shall be subject to the orders of the petition.

Encroached park space

The SHC ordered that no parking of vehicles should be allowed on spaces meant for public parks, with particular reference to illegal use of one such space by a private hospital owned by under-detention former minister Dr Asim Hussain in North Nazimabad.

The order came on a petition against the alleged occupation of a public park and footpaths by the private hospital’s management.

Petitioner Rana Faizul Hasan had submitted that the private hospital administration had occupied the public park space for parking purpose in violation of the law. He added that the management had also occupied a footpath and another amenity area for parking purposes at its Shireen Jinanh Colony branch.

The court observed that such acts could not be allowed and directed the KMC to ensure compliance of its orders. The court also directed the KMC land director and secretary hockey association to appear in person on the next date of hearing.