LAHORE: The recent approval for the reconstitution of the National Council for Homeopathy (NCH) by the federal Cabinet has plunged the regulatory body into a legal crisis. Serious allegations of administrative irregularities and violations of the “Government Servants (Conduct) Rules” have surfaced regarding the nomination process.
According to reliable sources, the Ministry of National Health Services has bypassed the merit-based panel from Punjab to nominate a serving government employee, Dr Ghulam Abbas, who currently holds the post of Homeopathic Medical Officer at DHQ Hospital, Sheikhupura. Legal experts contend that appointing a serving official as a “private member” to a regulatory body is a textbook case of “Conflict of Interest” and a direct contravention of established service rules and judicial precedents.
Intriguingly, the nomination proceeded despite the Ministry having full access to the candidate’s service record and No Objection Certificate (NOC). Observers suggest that this move indicates “mala fide” intent, as the appointment was cleared despite the candidate’s clear ineligibility for a private-quota seat.
Adding to the controversy, the official notification of the newly formed council has reportedly been kept “confidential” by the Ministry and the NCH Registrar’s office, allegedly to prevent aggrieved parties from seeking judicial intervention before the scheduled oath-taking on February 17. Furthermore, concerns have been raised by Junaid Bukhari, an elected member from Sindh, who claims he is being deliberately sidelined from the electoral process for the Council’s presidency.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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