Laws Regulating Medical Practice in Pakistan

1. Medical and Dental Degree Ordinance, 1980

This ordinance legally defines the Allopathic system of medicine, which includes modern scientific medicine and surgery. It specifies which authorities have the power to grant medical and dental degrees or diplomas. This law also prohibits anyone from using medical or dental titles unless officially qualified, helping to protect patients from unqualified practitioners.

2. Allopathic System (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1962

This Act is designed to prevent misuse of the medical profession by unauthorized individuals. It defines who a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) is and restricts the use of medical titles, surgical operations, and prescription of antibiotics or dangerous drugs exclusively to RMPs. This ensures only qualified persons provide medical services and perform surgeries, safeguarding public health.

3. Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) Ordinance, 1962

The PMDC Ordinance established the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council as the regulatory authority for medical and dental practitioners in Pakistan. PMDC maintains the medical register, categorizing practitioners into provisional, fully registered, and specialist lists. It also monitors the professional conduct and proficiency of medical practitioners, ensuring standards of practice are upheld nationwide.

4. Drug Act, 1976

This Act regulates the quality and safety of drugs marketed in Pakistan. It mandates that new drugs undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy before they are approved for use. It also controls drug advertising to prevent misinformation and misuse. The Drug Act allows authorities to withdraw or modify drug approvals if new safety concerns arise, protecting patients from harmful or ineffective medications.

5. Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930

This longstanding law aims to prevent the abuse and illegal use of certain controlled substances, such as stimulants (e.g., cocaine), depressants (e.g., morphine), and hallucinogens (e.g., cannabis). It controls the manufacture, possession, and distribution of these drugs and enforces limits on quantities used for medicinal purposes. The Act defines drug addiction and dependence and regulates the use of potentially harmful substances to reduce social and health-related harms.

6. Dangerous Drug Rules

Under this legal framework:

• Rule 13 limits the quantities of dangerous drugs (for example, medicinal hemp up to 3 ounces, opium up to 3 ounces).

• Rule 14 requires healthcare facilities and practitioners to maintain detailed records of all dangerous drugs separately to ensure accountability and prevent misuse.

7. Workman’s Compensation Act, 1923

This law provides compensation to workers who suffer injuries or disabilities while performing their job duties or from work-related environmental hazards. It ensures employees or their dependents receive financial support for medical expenses and loss of income due to workplace accidents or diseases.

8. Employees Social Security Ordinance, 1965

This Ordinance establishes a social security system for employees and employers in Pakistan, providing insurance benefits including medical care, compensation, and pensions. It also covers occupational diseases such as anthrax, lead poisoning, and radiation exposure, supporting workers' health and financial stability in case of work-related illnesses.

Summary:

These laws collectively ensure that medical practice in Pakistan is regulated to maintain high professional standards, protect patients from unqualified practitioners, ensure drug safety, and provide legal frameworks for compensation and social security. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) plays a central role in overseeing practitioners' registration and conduct, while drug laws and labor laws ensure public safety and workers’ welfare