PMDC Urged to Reform Medical Education and MDCAT System
Pakistan’s PMDC medical reforms came under scrutiny as a Senate subcommittee called for major changes to the country’s medical education system. Lawmakers urged the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to align medical education with international standards while improving transparency in the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT).
Senate panel seeks transparent MDCAT process
The Senate subcommittee on National Health Services, chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman, reviewed the MDCAT and the national admission policy. During the meeting, PMDC officials said they had introduced a common syllabus covering topics from both FSc and A-Level courses. As a result, complaints about syllabus differences had declined.
However, the committee directed the PMDC to submit detailed feedback on its question bank and stakeholder consultation process. Lawmakers also criticized a newspaper advertisement that incorrectly stated MDCAT was compulsory for all students seeking admission to foreign medical universities.
PMDC officials clarified that the requirement applies only to students enrolling in certain foreign institutions. Therefore, the committee instructed the council to issue an immediate public clarification. Members also questioned why officials had not taken action against those responsible for publishing the misleading advertisement.
Medical seat shortage remains a major concern
The committee also reviewed the policy requiring students pursuing medical education abroad to register with the PMDC. Lawmakers argued that authorities should focus on preventing admissions to low-quality institutions instead of creating unnecessary hurdles for students.
In addition, members highlighted the severe shortage of medical college seats across the country. According to the committee, more than 113,000 students qualified in the 2024 MDCAT. However, medical colleges offered only 22,300 seats, leaving thousands of eligible candidates without admission opportunities.
The panel stressed that Pakistan must expand quality medical education and modernize its admission system. Members said better planning, greater transparency, and international standards would strengthen medical education and create fair opportunities for aspiring doctors.
