PMDC published an article in the newspapers stating
"No one except MBBS and BDS practitioners can use the prefix Doctor in settings related to Patient care and safety."
and later in that article they pointed out that the use of prefix "Doctor" from Pharmacists , Physiotherapist , nutritionist and others, misleading common people, promoting quackery and increasing health problem for the community and the governments. This article is attached to this blog for reference. I am going to discuss this article in two different perspective i.e. legal and scientific perspective.
Legal Perspective
First, Let me break down the notice by PMDC to understand it better. This article has two parts, one is PMDC Official 1962 Ordinance "section 28" amended through "Act number XIX of 212" published as it is and the second part is the resolution of the members of PMDC on their 138th session. We have to understand that the resolution is passed on the basis of section 28.
I believe that section 28 of PMDC doesn't restrict Pharmacists to use prefix "Doctor", So whatever is written in the resolution is null and void .I believe that members of PMDC has passed a resolution which is against their ordinance .Let me explain how section 28 doesn't restrict Pharmacists to use prefix "Doctor"
As per section 28 of Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) Ordinance 1962 amended through Act number XIX of 212 Fraudulent representation is defined as
1)Whoever falsely pretends to be registered under this Ordinance as a medical practitioner or dentist
2)uses with his name or title any words or letters representing that he is so registered with the Council or uses the word "doctor" without legal basis
Pharmacists doesn't fall under fraudulent representation because they are not registered under PMDC ordinance and using the prefix Dr legally. I think members of PMDC doesn't know that Pharmacists has their own central council known as " Pharmacy Council of Pakistan (PCP) " and they are legally bound to use this prefix from PCP.I have worked at the 600 bedded and the only JCI accredited hospital of Pakistan and our ID cards has the prefix of Dr even after the publication of this article.
Scientific Perspective
This article charged Pharmacists with some serious allegations i.e. misleading the common people, promoting quackery and increasing health problem for the community and the governments. Being a healthcare professional I believe in evidence base practice. I would love if any member of PMDC can produce a one single research article stating that restricting the prefix "Dr" to MBBS and BDS practitioners can help alleviate quackery.
If someone from the PMDC is reading this article let me tell you what Pharmacist do and with scientific evidence.
- Pharmacists reduce the number of people who end up in the hospital. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23450614
- The government saves up to $2.50 for every $1.00 spent on pharmacy medication management services. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4212445/
- More people get their blood pressure under control when pharmacists provide clinical services Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20614422
- More people are vaccinated in areas where pharmacists can give injections Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15161077
Rangeela Asks PMDC
- is PMDC the sole flag bearer of patient safety and patient care?
- Do the members of PMDC thinks that except MBBS and BDS every other health professional is practicing quackery?
- Is there any conviction regarding restricting professionals from their legal right? Six month imprisonment or Fine ?
*Trust me he is the savior to this Profession.
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