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PMDC’s Polls Within 120 Days - Tarar accuses Dr Asim of patronizing `fake’ colleges

By Our Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD - Minister of State for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar has accused chairman of Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr Asim Hussain of patronizing `fake’ medical colleges.

Speaking at a news conference, Ms Tarar vowed to extend cooperation to the law-enforcement agencies currently investigating Dr Hussain for his alleged involvement in different crimes. The alleged `culprit’ has also been removed from presidency of Nursing Council, she added.

She said that cases concerning alleged irregularities and embezzlement in Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) management would be referred to National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

She vowed to get PMDC Ordinance approved by the Parliament. “It is a mere coincidence that the Ordinance was promulgated at a time when Dr Asim Hussain was already under the custody of Sindh Rangers,” she added.

The minister said that number of PMDC members would be curtailed from 81 to 35 and of them, at least 20, would be elected, while remaining 15 would be honorary representatives.

She further said that all provinces would have equal representation in the PMDC and its elections would be conducted within 120 days.

At the outset, the minister informed newsmen that Dr Shaista is not legal registrar but Dr Nadeem Akbar is.