The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has prohibited allied health professionals from practicing clinical medicine, tightening regulations in response to a rise in HIV and hepatitis cases in certain regions of the country.
The regulator stated that only licensed doctors under the PMDC Act 2022 are permitted to diagnose diseases, prescribe medications, and perform medical procedures.
This decision comes amid growing concerns over increasing HIV infections, especially in Islamabad and Mirpurkhas, which authorities partly link to negligence and weak enforcement of healthcare regulations.
Allied health professionals (AHPs) include trained healthcare workers who support diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation services while working alongside doctors and nurses in medical settings. Internationally, they represent nearly 30 percent of the healthcare workforce and are typically governed through strict education, licensing, and professional standards.
Under the new rules, professionals such as pharmacists, psychologists, and dental technologists are limited to their designated duties and are no longer allowed to treat patients, prescribe medicines, or carry out surgical procedures beyond their approved scope.
The PMDC has also warned of strict legal action against individuals falsely using the title of “doctor” without registration, as well as those involved in unauthorized medical practice.
Health authorities across the country have been directed to take immediate action against violations, with unlicensed clinical activity in hospitals and clinics to be penalized under the law.
The crackdown coincides with official statistics showing a steady increase in HIV cases in the capital.
Data from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination reveals that 618 new HIV cases were reported in Islamabad between January 2025 and March 2026.
Out of these, 498 cases emerged in 2025, while 120 were recorded in the first quarter of 2026, indicating ongoing transmission. Monthly figures in 2025 ranged from 31 to 63 cases, with a similar pattern continuing this year.
Men made up over 64 percent of the total cases, while infections were also reported among women, transgender individuals, and children, suggesting wider community spread.
Health experts associate the rise with high-risk behaviors, including drug use and unprotected sex, and point to the increasing trend of “chemsex,” where stimulant drugs contribute to risky sexual activity.
Officials say the new measures aim to improve oversight of healthcare practices and reduce the spread of infectious diseases through stronger regulation and accountability.
