PDA Karachi, SHCC join forces to regulate dental clinics, curb Quackery in Sindh

KARACHI: The Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) Karachi and the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) have launched a strategic collaboration to enhance dental healthcare regulation in Sindh, focusing on dental clinic registration, practitioner training, and combating dental quackery.

High-level meeting to boost dental compliance

Led by PDA Karachi President Prof. Dr. Navid Rashid Qureshi, the delegation was welcomed by Dr. Ahson Qavi Siddiqi, CEO of SHCC. The meeting addressed critical gaps in dental health facility compliance and emphasized the importance of formal registration for dental clinics in Sindh.

"PDA will facilitate the registration process for dental facilities with SHCC to ensure regulatory alignment and improved public trust in dental services," Dr. Qureshi stated.

Key outcomes of the collaboration

During the meeting, the following strategic initiatives were agreed upon:

• Streamlining registration for dental clinics across Sindh
• Joint training programs for registered dental health professionals
• Formation of a PDA technical committee to address:
  • Certification courses
  • Out-of-scope practitioners
  • Clinical compliance and licensing issues

This initiative demonstrates E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authority, Trust) as both institutions commit to elevating dental service quality and patient safety in the province.

Addressing dental quackery and public risk

Dental quackery remains a persistent threat to public health in Pakistan. SHCC’s Director of Anti-Quackery, Dr. Zubair Ahmed Soomro, emphasized the need for sustained efforts against unregistered and unqualified practitioners.

Dr. Ahson Qavi Siddiqi recommended proactive steps including technical oversight and public awareness campaigns, supported by PDA’s outreach.

Stakeholder Presence

Notable attendees included:

• Dr. Aqeel Shaikh – Vice President, PDA Karachi
• Dr. Feroz Jahangir – General Secretary, PDA Karachi
• Dr. Tahera Ayab and Dr. Uzma Zareef
• Dr. Zainab Hasan – Director, DCGT
• Dr. Altaf Khawaja – Director, DLA

Their presence reflected a unified front in shaping ethical dental practices in Pakistan.