Latest news with #RizwanTaj
Business Recorder
01-07-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Medical/dental education: PMDC, ACCME developing CPD regulatory system
ISLAMABAD: To bring national medical/dental education system at par with the global standards and recognition of Pakistan's healthcare profession globally, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) has started developing a continuing professional development (CPD) regulatory system. In this connection, the PMDC held two and a half day strategy sessions focusing on developing a regulatory framework for CPD in Pakistan during a high-level ACCME delegation visit to the PMDC. Participants from leading institutions attended the sessions engaged in extensive discussions and strategic deliberations, marking a significant step forward in elevating CPD practices in Pakistan. The participants discussed the global trends and evolving landscape of healthcare at length. The event was designed as an intensive, interactive learning experience aimed at developing and implementing a future-ready, globally-recognised CPD regulatory framework in the country. The sessions were facilitated by Dr Rizwan Taj, president of the PMDC, Dr Graham Mc Mahon, president and CEO of the ACCME, Dr Dion Richetti, vice president of Accreditation ACCME, and International Consultant for Collaborations and Recognition, who brought rich insights from both local and international perspectives. The ACCME is a Chicago-based non-profit organisation that accredits organisations offering continuing medical education in the US and around the world. The new evidence-based CPD system will enhance the quality of patient care and the country's medical education system in Pakistan. It will help to increase the employability and recognition of its medical and healthcare workforce in the region and globally. The ACCME and PMDC leadership team also met with Syed Mustafa Kamal, Minister for National Health Services and Regulations and other senior officials. As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen medical services, the minister expressed full support during the meeting with the ACCME delegation for the betterment of the country. The PMDC has been working diligently with local and international partners to design and implement global best practices in the country. In support of the minister's vision to enhance and expedite medical and health services nationwide, the session focused on key strategies and initiatives. Dr Taj said the PMDC will implement a nationally-integrated CPD system, ushering in a new era of professional excellence and global alignment in healthcare education. The implementation of a globally-recognised CPD system marks a transformative milestone for healthcare in Pakistan. A structured and evidence-based CPD framework will not only elevate the standards of medical practice but also ensure that healthcare professionals remain competent, current, and patient-focused throughout their careers. He added that this plan will lead to improved patient outcomes, strengthen public trust in the healthcare system, and will support Pakistan's medical education standards with international benchmarks. It will also significantly enhance the professional mobility, employability, and recognition of Pakistani healthcare professionals both regionally and globally. Dr Taj said 'the PMDC is proud to lead this strategic transformation in partnership with the ACCME and other esteemed national and international stakeholders. We remain committed to developing a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and excellence in healthcare delivery across the country,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘First Licensing System' at PMDC regional office in Lahore launched
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to facilitate medical/dental graduates and practitioners, has launched for the first time, the Licensing System at the PMDC regional office in Lahore, Punjab. According to an official communiqué, the digital initiative targets to simplify and expedite the registration process for graduates and medical and dental professionals and specialists, enabling them to complete their registrations quickly and securely. The system promotes greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility by eliminating traditional hurdles and significantly reducing processing times. One of the most notable benefits is that it saves medical and dental practitioners' valuable time and effort by eliminating the need to travel from Lahore to the Islamabad head office to resolve their queries. Furthermore, doctors facing difficulties in filling out the online portal application will be assisted by the staff available at the regional centre who is equipped to help with the submission process. All registration services will now be available at the PMDC Lahore Regional Office. These services include full registration, license renewal, issuance of Good Standing Certificates, provision of duplicates, and updates or changes to practitioner records, shall be facilitated except for matters related to teaching and practical experience. The Lahore office will also assist with the submission and processing of online applications, as well as resolving related queries for the above categories. Original certificates will be dispatched to practitioners via TCS courier service, while a copy of the certificate may also be provided to medical and dental professionals for their convenience. Prof Dr Rizwan Taj, President of PMDC, emphasised the significance of this development by stating: 'This is a step towards accelerating the licensing process through PM&DC's regional offices. By launching this initiative, we are empowering our doctors to begin their professional journeys without unnecessary delays.' He added that Phase-I has been launched in Lahore to serve practitioners in Punjab. The system will be expanded nationwide in the coming months. Phase-II will be launched in Peshawar and Karachi, followed by Phase-III in Jamshoro and Balochistan, and finally Phase-IV in Multan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
13-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Medical triumph, but
Listen to article Around 1,061 Pakistani doctors have cleared their United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and secured residency positions in the US. Their remarkable success stands as a strong testament to the growing strength and global recognition of Pakistan's medical education sector. It also marks the highest number of Pakistani doctors to achieve this milestone in a single year. Securing a US residency is extremely competitive and difficult. Professor Dr Rizwan Taj, President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, terms this achievement a "turning point in Pakistan's medical journey", highlighting the increase in global opportunities opening up for Pakistani graduates. This success not only reflects individual merit but also illuminates the quality of education being maintained by the country's medical colleges. These students belong to some of the country's most prestigious institutions, located in major cities such as Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. Among them are King Edward Medical University, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Dow Medical College, Shifa College of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), and Khyber Medical University. However, while this is commendable, it also underscores the pressing issue of an increasing trend of brain drain. Skilled professionals, particularly the fresher wave of graduates, are opting for international opportunities to build their careers over contributing to the local healthcare system. Pakistan's economy and population are in dire need of skilled professionals, yet the political and economic instability, coupled with limited job prospects and rising inflation, continue to drive its talent abroad. The loss of the country's most valuable resources represents a significant setback that cannot solely be fixed by achieving global credibility. Pakistan therefore must create an environment for its talent that facilitates growth and provides ample opportunities for professional development, innovation and financial stability to retain the concerning outflow of aptitude.
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
PM&DC president registers his own honorary degree in apparent misuse of authority
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC), the country's top regulatory body for medical education, is facing severe backlash after its president, Dr. Rizwan Taj, allegedly registered his own honorary degree in violation of the council's policies. The incident has sparked outrage within the medical community, with experts calling it a blatant misuse of authority and a direct attack on the credibility of the regulatory body. PM&DC has long maintained a strict policy against recognizing honorary degrees, as well as qualifications obtained through online or distant learning, both from local and international institutions. In 2020, the council rejected a similar request to register an honorary degree for a special advisor to the Prime Minister, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining academic standards. However, in an unprecedented move, Dr. Rizwan Taj allegedly registered his own honorary degree, reportedly awarded by PM&DC itself. This act has raised serious concerns about transparency and governance within the institution. Sources reveal that Dr. Rizwan Taj's actions are part of a larger plan to secure the position of Vice Chancellor at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), for which he has already been shortlisted. Currently serving as Dean on an extension at SZABMU while also holding the position of PM&DC President, his dual roles have raised ethical concerns and highlighted a clear conflict of interest. It is further reported that Dr. Taj also secured his Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the same university where he holds a key administrative position, further strengthening accusations of abuse of power. Medical experts and critics have termed this act a 'colorable exercise of power,' which not only undermines the credibility of PM&DC but also questions the fairness of the selection process for the SZABMU Vice Chancellor position. Furthermore, Dr. Taj's alleged reluctance to address the rising fees imposed by private medical colleges is being viewed as a strategic move to avoid conflict with influential stakeholders in the medical education sector, which could jeopardize his ambitions for the VC position. The College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), a key institution for specialist training, also awards honorary fellowships. However, PM&DC has never registered such degrees in the past. By registering his own honorary degree, Dr. Taj has set a dangerous precedent that threatens the transparency and credibility of the regulatory body. The incident has triggered widespread anger within the medical fraternity, with demands for an independent investigation to hold Dr. Taj accountable. Many believe that such actions will have long-term consequences on the quality of medical education and the credibility of Pakistani medical degrees both locally and internationally. Medical professionals and stakeholders are now urging the government to take immediate action to prevent further misuse of authority within PM&DC and restore the integrity of the institution. As the controversy continues to unfold, the future of Pakistan's top medical regulatory body hangs in the balance. Contacted Dr Rizwan Taj to take his verdict regarding said issue but yet not get any response from his side.
