A Senate subcommittee has proposed holding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) twice a year instead of once to give students more opportunities for admission to medical and dental colleges.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health’s subcommittee, chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman. The meeting reviewed issues related to medical education, the MDCAT exam, vacant seats in medical and dental colleges, and the challenges faced by students and graduates.
During the meeting, the committee expressed serious concern over the existing medical education policies and called for an immediate review. Senator Anusha Rahman said young people are neither getting enough educational opportunities within Pakistan nor sufficient support to pursue education abroad.
The committee also raised concerns over the high cost of medical education, particularly in private medical colleges, and the limited employment opportunities available to graduates. Members noted that students spend millions of rupees on their education but are often offered salaries as low as Rs. 25,000 per month, which they said is not acceptable.
The issue of vacant seats in medical and dental colleges was also discussed, with the committee calling for a detailed review of the reasons behind the problem. It also stressed the need for greater transparency in policymaking and urgent reforms in the medical education system.
Members also questioned the international recognition of dental graduates’ degrees and proposed forming a separate committee to address the concerns of doctors and students.
The subcommittee directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to present its recommendations in the next council meeting. It also decided to invite vice chancellors and student representatives to the next meeting so that all stakeholders can share their views.
The committee further noted that differences between provinces and the PMDC over medical education matters are creating additional problems for students. It decided that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence to resolve student concerns and improve the overall medical education system.
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