JHCRF urges HEC to close degree programs with names similar to MBBS

KARACHI:The Joint Healthcare Regulators Forum (JHCRF) on Friday called upon the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to close the degree programs with names similar to MBBS to stop quackery in the country.This issue was taken up in 3rd JHCRF meeting organized by the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) in support with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and the World Health Organization (WHO), a communique said here.It was urged that HEC should intervene and change the names of degree programs, for stopping those impersonate medical graduate and are responsible for promoting quackery in the society.MPA Nida Khuhro, Parliamentary Secretary for Health & Population Welfare Department, Sindh, grace the occasion as the chief guest, while the country representative of WHO, Federal Secretary MNHSR&C, CEOs of all Healthcare Commissions of provinces, representatives of PMDC, National council of Tib, National Council for Homeopathy, Pharmacy, CPSP and other development partners attended the meeting.PA Nida Khuhro said that Sindh has built a  strong regulatory system after years of learning and legislation. She pointed out that with technology changing fast, Sindh now aims to create a digital health framework covering telemedicine, e-prescriptions, and online pharmacies to keep patient safety uncompromised.Khuhro also commended the SHCC for its aggressive push in the private sector to close gaps left in public health services.She said that Sindh is setting up a Clinical Governance Academy to train staff in quality assurance, risk management, and evidence-based policy. “Sindh is also expanding its system to ensure medicines and devices meet global standards, including minimum safety norms, infection control, and emergency governance. In addition, Sindh is enforcing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for all healthcare professionals to align with global standards.”Dr. Luo Dapeng, Country Head of WHO Pakistan, said WHO is proud to support this platform in Pakistan, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening regulatory and accountability coherence across the country’s health system.He noted that WHO is supporting federal and provincial governments and regulatory bodies for enhancing the resilience of health system in the country.Federal Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh added via video link that the Ministry has introduced the National Blood Transfusion Policy and also drafted the policy of Thalassaemia Prevention and Genetic Disorders. He urged all provincial and other healthcare regulators to implement these policies in their respective jurisdictions.