Dr. Usman Waheed, IMDC, Islamabad
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination’s recent decision to merge the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC, est. 2023) with the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC, est. 1952) has sparked significant concern among healthcare professionals across Pakistan. While the merger is intended to streamline regulatory functions, it poses several potential drawbacks that could impact both the nursing and allied health sectors.
Nursing and allied health professions encompass distinct roles, educational requirements, and scopes of practice. Merging their regulatory bodies risks diluting the specialized oversight each profession requires. The PNMC, established to uphold nursing and midwifery standards, may struggle to address the unique needs of allied health professionals, such as laboratory technologists, physiotherapists and radiographers. Conversely, the specific challenges faced by nurses and midwives might be overshadowed within a broader regulatory framework. This amalgamation could compromise the quality of care and professional development in both fields.
Combining two distinct councils could lead to bureaucratic complexities and slower decision-making processes. Each council currently operates with tailored policies and procedures that are suited to its respective profession. A unified body might face challenges in harmonizing these systems, potentially leading to delays in licensing, accreditation, and policy implementation. Such inefficiencies could hinder the timely delivery of healthcare services and affect workforce morale.
The proposed merger has met with opposition from various healthcare associations. They have expressed concerns that the merger could marginalize allied health professionals, as this is a comparatively new council and still needs time to grow. They argue that after years of striving for recognition, the dissolution of the AHPC undermines their professional autonomy. Another valid and pressing concern given is the fact that the government has established separate regulatory councils for pharmacists, homoeopathy, traditional medicine (Tibb), and the medical and dental professions. Why is only the nursing and allied health sector being considered for a merger? This move not only reflects inconsistency in policy; it suggests a reluctance to recognize nursing and allied health professions as fully autonomous and empowered fields, despite their critical role in the healthcare system.
A unified regulatory body may struggle to maintain the high standards required in both nursing and allied health professions. The risk of generalized policies failing to address specific professional needs could lead to a decline in service quality. For instance, standardized training programmes might not adequately prepare professionals for the nuanced demands of their respective fields, ultimately affecting patient care outcomes.
The merger could also affect the international mobility of Pakistani healthcare professionals. Distinct regulatory bodies often align with global standards, facilitating the recognition of qualifications abroad. A merged council might face challenges in meeting diverse international accreditation requirements, potentially limiting opportunities for professionals seeking employment overseas.
In conclusion, while the intention behind merging the AHPC and PNMC may be to streamline operations, it is crucial to consider the potential adverse effects on professional identity, operational efficiency, and healthcare quality. Engaging with stakeholders from both nursing and allied health sectors to explore alternative solutions that preserve the integrity and specialization of each profession is essential. Maintaining separate, focused regulatory bodies may better serve the diverse needs of Pakistan’s healthcare system.
[The writer teaches laboratory medicine at the Islamabad Medical & Dental College. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology & Fellowship in Transfusion Medicine.]