The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has imposed restrictions on allied health professionals, prohibiting them from engaging in clinical practice. This decision comes in response to a notable increase in HIV and hepatitis infections in various regions of the country.
Under the PMDC Act 2022, only registered medical doctors are now authorized to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform medical procedures. This regulatory tightening aims to address concerns about rising HIV cases, especially in Islamabad and Mirpurkhas, where professional negligence and insufficient oversight have been partly blamed for the surge.
Allied health professionals (AHPs) encompass healthcare workers who provide diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services, often supporting doctors and nurses in hospitals and clinics. Globally, they represent approximately 30 percent of the health workforce and are typically governed by education, licensing, and evidence-based practice standards.
the new directives, pharmacists, psychologists, and dental technologists are confined to their specific roles and are prohibited from treating patients, prescribing drugs, or conducting surgeries beyond their professional scope. The PMDC has issued warnings that legal action will be taken against individuals falsely using the title of “doctor” without proper registration or those involved in unauthorized clinical activities.
Health authorities nationwide have been instructed to implement urgent measures to prevent violations. Clinics and healthcare facilities found operating without licenses will face penalties under existing laws.
This crackdown coincides with official data revealing a steady increase in HIV infections in the capital. The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination recorded 618 new HIV cases in Islamabad from January 2025 to March 2026. Of these, 498 cases occurred in 2025, with 120 reported in the first quarter of 2026, indicating ongoing transmission. Monthly case numbers in 2025 fluctuated between 31 and 63, maintaining a similar pattern this year.
Men accounted for over 64 percent of the infections, but cases have also been identified among women, transgender individuals, and children, suggesting the virus is spreading beyond traditionally high-risk groups. Health experts attribute the rise to high-risk behaviors such as drug use and unprotected sexual activity. Notably, the increasing prevalence of “chemsex,” where stimulant drugs reduce inhibitions and promote risky sexual behavior, has been highlighted as a contributing factor.
Authorities emphasize that these new measures aim to enhance healthcare oversight and reduce the transmission of infectious diseases through stricter enforcement and greater accountability within the medical sector.
