The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has officially approved and implemented a comprehensive revised Code of Ethics, introducing mandatory disability quotas and strengthening patient safety protocols for all registered practitioners and institutions across the country.
In a landmark move, the updated regulations mandate a structured quota for persons with disabilities, requiring all recognized medical and dental institutions to reserve a minimum of 2% and a maximum of 5% of their seats. This applies universally to both educational institutions and registered medical and dental practitioners nationwide.
Speaking on the development, PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj emphasized that the revised framework prioritizes fundamental patient rights, including safety, dignity, confidentiality, and informed consent. “The updated framework strengthens disciplinary oversight, ensures non-discrimination and equitable care, and provides clear guidance on managing conflicts of interest while upholding integrity in all professional interactions,” he stated.
A cornerstone of the revision is the integration of comprehensive guidelines for individuals with disabilities, covering both admission to medical education and professional practice. These provisions align Pakistan’s medical regulations with national disability laws and international commitments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the WHO Global Disability Action Plan, and standards set by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
Under the new ethical code, admissions for disabled candidates will be determined through a combination of functional capacity assessments and established academic benchmarks, including MDCAT scores and FSc/IBCC equivalence. Eligibility for professional licensure will be strictly based on the candidate’s ability to safely perform core professional duties. To ensure equal opportunity, the policy mandates reasonable accommodations, such as assistive technologies, adapted training environments, accessible infrastructure, and modified examination arrangements.
Related: PMDC Sets Fee Cap for Private Medical Colleges
To guarantee transparency and standardized evaluation, the PMDC will establish multidisciplinary medical fitness boards at both federal and provincial levels. These boards will comprise relevant specialists and include a disability rights representative. Their responsibilities will include conducting objective functional assessments, recommending suitable disciplines, certifying fitness for licensure (with accommodations where applicable), and providing a structured mechanism for appeals.
