SC summons three-month performance reports of medical colleges

• CJP says medical colleges not meeting PMDC’s criteria to be brought under UHS

LAHORE: The Supreme Court on Sunday summoned the three-month performance reports of all medical colleges.

A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, at the Supreme Court Lahore Registry heard the suo moto case.

On Saturday, the CJP ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the recognition given to private medical colleges during the tenure of the former president of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Dr Asim Hussain, and submit a report within one month.

During Sunday’s hearing, the FIA submitted its report regarding private medical colleges to the court.

The CJP said the medical colleges which do not meet the criteria set by PMDC will be brought under the administrative control of University of Health Sciences (UHS).

During Saturday’s hearing, the apex court ordered a probe into the recognition process of private medical colleges during the tenure of Dr Asim Hussain besides a return of excessive fee to students within one month. Regarding the private colleges’ fee plan, the bench directed that fee above than Rs 850,000 should be refunded to the students and the colleges which fail to follow the suit should be investigated.

The court also ordered the colleges to accommodate some students, who deserved admission on merit but could not get admission to any public or private sector colleges.

The Supreme Court further ordered PMDC to finalise the applications of three new medical colleges including Al-Aleem Medical College, Lahore, Niazi Medical College, Sargodha and CMH Kharian Medical College, Kharian for recognition in a week’s time.

The court directed the PMDC to scrutinise the applications of the said colleges in accordance with the new criteria, besides allowing a three month time to meet the deficiencies and shortcomings as per set criteria.

The court also directed the owners/administration to submit an affidavit that they would be subject to legal and civil action in case of non-compliance.