I appreciate efforts of Physiotherapists struggling for profession. Object To take a stay against the legislation passed by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council against the use of word doctor as a prefix by the Physiotherapist. Ground Of Stay Under Article 199 of the Constitution of Pakistan The High Court has the power to declare any legislation or act passed by any governmental or semi-governmental authority as null or void if such legislation or act contradict or violate any provision or act or part of any provision or act of the Constitution of Pakistan. The amendment made by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council under Section 28 Act XIX OF 212 declaring that the term doctor cannot be used as a prefix by the Professionals other than the MBBS and BDS is completely absurd and void and has no legal ground as the term DOCTOR is not the heritage of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. The course of Doctor of Physical Therapy is approved by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and it has been widely accepted through out in Pakistan as well as in foreign countries. The countries like United Kingdom, United States of America and Canada not only teach the course of Doctor of Physical therapy but indeed allow the Physical Therapy Practitioners to use the Prefix Doctor as well. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has a regulatory authority for the Profession of MBBS AND BDS only it has no legal rights of making and declaring laws and regulations for other health care profession and Professionals. The Public Notice advertised by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council dated 30th September 2014 in news papers has no legal effect as that notice was in contradiction of Article 18 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973. Conclusion Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has a regulatory Authority for the profession of MBBS AND BDS only and it has no legal powers to make legislation regarding other health care professions and Professionals. The use of word doctor as a prefix for the professionals of Physiotherapist is in accordance with the education given to them by the Physiotherapy Institutions of Pakistan which are recognized by the HEC. It is therefore requested to the Honorable Judges of the High Court to declare such legislation made under Section 28 Act XIX OF 212 by PMDC as null and void and to take other necessary step as are in the discretion of the honorable court as it has no legal ground and has been vehemently denied by the Physiotherapy professionals as they are not quakes indeed they are the part of Health Care Profession.
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 07:34:49 +0000