Senate Committee Defers PMDC Amendment Over Political Influence Concerns, Backs Psychologists’ Inclusion in Mental Health Law

Senate Committee Defers PMDC Amendment Over Political Influence Concerns, Backs Psychologists’ Inclusion in Mental Health Law

Nadeem Tanoli

ISLAMABAD – A high-stakes session of the Senate Standing Committee on Health saw sharp divides over the future structure of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and an encouraging step forward in mental health reform. Two key bills were debated: one seeking to include parliamentarians in the PMDC, and another aiming to recognize psychologists as essential mental healthcare providers.

The proposed amendment to the PMDC Act, introduced by Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, sought to include one Senator and one MNA on the PMDC council. Senator Mohmand defended the idea as a mechanism to strengthen democratic oversight and harmonize standards across federal regulatory bodies. “If we are doing oversight, why not at the council level too?” he asked. He emphasized that the intention was not to politicize the council, but to address regulatory inconsistency and systemic gaps.

However, the proposal quickly drew strong opposition from the Federal Health Minister, who warned that including politicians could “open a new Pandora’s box.” He argued that Pakistan’s political environment is not mature enough to prevent undue influence on an independent professional body, and that the move could compromise the PMDC’s credibility.

The President of the PMDC backed the Minister’s position, expressing deep concern that any political appointments to the council could endanger its standing with international accreditation bodies, particularly the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), which explicitly discourages political interference in medical regulation.

Despite support from some senators, including Irfan Siddiqui and Talal Chaudhry, who highlighted similar arrangements in other councils, the committee opted for caution. Chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti deferred the bill, recommending that Senator Mohmand, PMDC officials, and the Ministry of Law meet to explore a consensus before the bill is reconsidered.

In contrast, the committee gave in-principle approval to a separate bill that could reshape the country’s mental health landscape. Senator Mohmand also tabled “The Mental Health (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” which proposes formally including psychologists in the legal definition of mental health practitioners.

Currently, the Mental Health Act largely recognizes psychiatrists—medical doctors who can prescribe medication—while excluding psychologists, who provide counseling and therapy. Senator Mohmand argued the mental health system cannot function without recognizing both professions. “Mental health is incomplete without both a psychiatrist and a psychologist,” he asserted.

The amendment aims to designate psychologists as “Healthcare Practitioners” rather than “Medical Practitioners,” allowing for their regulation under the Allied Health Council without overlapping with the PMDC’s jurisdiction. Representatives from the Ministry of Health and the PMDC welcomed the intent of the bill but requested time to refine its legal wording to avoid loopholes or conflicts.

Final approval of the amendment was deferred to the committee’s next meeting, but the move was seen as a critical step toward formalizing the role of psychologists and addressing long-standing gaps in mental healthcare regulation. The bill could open the door to legal recognition and registration for thousands of practicing psychologists across Pakistan.