Pakistan Imposes 3-Year Ban on New Medical and Dental Colleges
ISLAMABAD – The Senate Standing Committee on National Health has approved a three-year moratorium on the establishment of new medical and dental colleges across Pakistan. The move comes amid growing concerns about faculty shortages and the quality of medical education.
The decision was announced during a session chaired by Senator Amir Waliduddin, where Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) President Dr. Rizwan Taj briefed lawmakers on the sector’s capacity challenges.
“This moratorium will help existing institutions strengthen their standards and address the shortage of qualified faculty,” said Dr. Taj.
Maintaining Educational Standards
Officials emphasized that the current infrastructure is under pressure due to limited teaching staff and insufficient resources. The halt on new institutions aims to preserve the quality of medical training and align Pakistan’s standards with global best practices.
No Political Influence in PMDC
During the meeting, Senator Humayun Mohmand proposed parliamentary representation on the PMDC board. However, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal strongly opposed the idea, emphasizing the importance of keeping medical regulation independent.
“Political interference has already weakened the education system. We must protect PMDC’s neutrality to maintain international credibility,” Kamal stated, adding that no political figure—including himself—has a seat on the current board.
Proposed Amendments to PMDC Act Deferred
Senator Irfan Siddiqui called for a more comprehensive review of the proposed amendments to the PMDC Act, particularly regarding accreditation, admissions, and examination processes. The committee agreed to defer the decision to allow for broader consultation in the next session.
MDCAT 2025 Exam Details Announced
The PMDC also confirmed that the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025 will take place on October 5 across the country. This year’s format has been revised to include 180 multiple-choice questions to be completed in three hours, down from the previous 200-question format.
Officials said the changes were made following feedback from parents, students, and educators, to make the test more student-friendly and manageable.
