PMDC expresses concerns over Pakistan Nursing Council Act
"Pakistan can’t afford if all nurses start practicing as doctor as the country is already facing shortage of staff at the hospitals," says PMDC
July 31, 2023
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Monday expressed serious concerns over Pakistan Nursing Council's Act allowing nurses to practice as a doctor.
In a letter to the Ministry of National Health Services and Regulation secretary, the PMD said: “This is a matter of serious concern whereas there is a serious shortage of nurses in the country and it is unanimously assumed by the council that all the nurses will start practising as a doctor which Pakistan can ill afford at this time.
As per Section 2 (m) of the PMC Act, 1973, “NP means nursing practitioner a registered advance practice nurse, who having been enrolled to a Master Degree in Nursing (MNS) recognised by PN&MC is registered with PN&MC to practice autonomously and in collaboration with other under section 15 (C)(i) of this Act within the defined scope of practice.”
According to a member of the Pakistan Nursing Council, a person with a master's degree in nursing MSN is authorised to practice under their own law.
A nursing practitioner has the legal right to prescribe medication in an emergency.
