PDA Punjab raises alarm over PHC inspections in dental clinics
LAHORE: The Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) Punjab has expressed serious concerns over what it calls "unlawful and unfair" inspections being conducted by the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) in registered dental clinics across the province.
General Secretary of PDA Punjab, Dr. Naseem Mansha Goraya, said that dental surgeons from multiple districts have reported harassment during these inspections. According to him, many inspections are being carried out by newly recruited inspectors from a medical background who have little or no expertise in dentistry, resulting in unnecessary difficulties for law-abiding dental practitioners.
Questionable fines and DRAP compliance
Dr. Goraya highlighted a recent case where a PHC inspector reviewed dental materials and imposed a heavy fine, alleging that some items were not approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
"To the best of our knowledge, DRAP does not maintain a list of approved dental materials, so the basis for such fines is unclear," he said.
PDA Punjab’s proposed action plan
Dr. Goraya shared that PDA Punjab intends to formally take up the matter with PHC’s senior management. "We will ask PHC to work with the dental community rather than creating unnecessary problems for qualified and registered practitioners," he said, calling for a collaborative rather than punitive approach.
Call for review of MSDS indicators
He also questioned the effectiveness of PHC’s Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS), which include 73 indicators. According to Dr. Goraya, these standards appear to be "copy-pasted from foreign countries" and fail to reflect the practical realities of dental and medical practice and facilities in Pakistan.
He urged PHC to involve stakeholders, including PDA Punjab, in reviewing and updating MSDS to make them contextually relevant and implementable.
Appeal for collective action
Dr. Goraya encouraged dental practitioners across Punjab to share their experiences of inspections so that PDA can compile cases and present them collectively. "We are committed to protecting the professional integrity of dentists and ensuring fair, transparent, and knowledge-based regulation," he said.
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