PMDC has announced a three-year ban on the establishment of new medical and dental colleges across the country. The decision aims to improve the standard of medical education and prevent the rapid and unregulated growth of low-quality institutions.
PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj shared this update during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health, chaired by Senator Aamir Waleeduddin. He highlighted serious concerns, including the shortage of qualified faculty and a drop in teaching standards due to the unchecked increase in medical colleges.
Dr. Taj stressed that no new colleges will be approved during this period, and the focus will shift toward strengthening existing institutions. “We must ensure that every medical student receives proper training from qualified professionals,” he said.
The committee also discussed proposed changes to the PMDC Act. A lively debate followed when some senators suggested adding lawmakers to the PMDC board. Others disagreed, arguing that regulatory bodies should remain free from political involvement. Chairman Waleeduddin noted that lawmakers had served on the board in the past, while others called for keeping the council independent.
Additionally, updates on the upcoming MDCAT 2025 were shared. The entry test will now feature 180 questions to be attempted in three hours. A new database of 10,000 multiple-choice questions is being prepared to avoid past syllabus issues and improve exam fairness.
The ban is expected to help stabilize the sector and ensure better medical education for future healthcare professionals.
