The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health has raised serious concerns over the validity of MDCAT results, the rising number of vacant seats in medical colleges, and administrative issues within key health regulatory bodies. The meeting, chaired by MNA Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, brought forward several policy gaps affecting thousands of medical aspirants across Pakistan.
MDCAT Result Validity: Main Issue Under Review
One of the most debated points in the session was the three-year validity period of MDCAT scores. Members noted that keeping results valid for multiple years has led to significant inequities, as exam difficulty varies each year.
Why the Committee is Reviewing MDCAT Validity
Several concerns were highlighted:
- Different exam standards annually create unfair advantages for some students.
- Students from previous batches and current year have filed petitions in court.
- Lack of a unified policy has created administrative confusion for PMDC and universities.
- Merit lists across provinces show inconsistencies due to old and new score combinations.
Government’s Position on MDCAT Validity
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal informed the committee that:
- This year’s admission cycle cannot be changed, keeping the current rules intact.
- However, the ministry is open to parliamentary amendments if formally recommended.
- A legally sound, long-term solution must be developed to avoid future disputes.
Vacant Seats in Medical and Dental Colleges
Another major concern raised during the meeting was the increasing number of vacant MBBS and BDS seats across Pakistan. Many seats remain unfilled due to students frequently shifting between programs or institutions.
Proposed Solutions for Vacant Seats
Key proposals discussed include:
- Banning inter-college shifting to control unnecessary movement of students.
- Discouraging MBBS to BDS switching after admissions.
- Using waiting lists more effectively to fill seats as soon as they fall vacant.
- Introducing stricter admission finality rules to minimize dropout rates.
The health minister instructed PMDC, Law Division, and university vice-chancellors to present a joint, legally vetted proposal within two days.
Key Problems and Proposed Reforms
| Issue | Problem Identified | Proposed Actions |
|---|---|---|
| MDCAT Result Validity | Inequity due to multi-year score validity | Parliamentary amendments; policy standardization |
| Vacant Medical Seats | Frequent shifts between MBBS/BDS & colleges | Banning shifts; activating waiting lists |
| IBCC Equivalency | Unfair Cambridge vs. local board conversions | Review of marking formula; meetings with IBCC |
| PNMC Governance | Administrative irregularities | Reconstitution of council; one-week deadline to resolve issues |
IBCC Equivalency Issues Raised
Members of the committee also focused on the IBCC equivalency formula, which has long been criticized by students of foreign education systems.
Concerns Identified
- Cambridge students often face down-marking through IBCC conversion.
- Differences between international and local boards create inequality.
- There is no transparent, standardized, or updated conversion mechanism.
Committee’s Directive to IBCC
The committee ordered the parliamentary secretary for education and relevant members to:
- Review the entire equivalency structure.
- Hold discussions with IBCC officials.
- Recommend a fair and unified formula for all students.
PNMC Governance Problems and Urgent Actions
Serious concerns were also raised over administrative irregularities in the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC).
Steps Ordered by the Committee
- The Minister confirmed that the newly reconstituted PNMC will meet next week.
- All pending PNMC agenda items must be resolved within one week.
- A transparent system is required for nursing education and licensing.
Broader Health Governance: Minister’s Additional Remarks
During his visit to PIMS, Minister Mustafa Kamal also highlighted several governance issues beyond MDCAT and medical admissions.
Key Points Shared by the Minister
- Pakistan urgently needs a strong local government system.
- Despite the 18th Amendment devolving health to provinces, Population Ministry and National Curriculum may come under federal control.
- Clean streets, clean water, and functioning local healthcare are responsibilities of local councils.
- He emphasized that major global cities like London, New York, and Shanghai cannot operate even a single day without empowered mayors—something Pakistan must learn from.
The National Assembly committee’s review of MDCAT result validity, vacant medical seats, IBCC equivalency, and PNMC governance marks a critical moment for Pakistan’s medical education system. With multiple reforms underway and strong parliamentary oversight, students can expect clearer policies, fairer evaluation systems, and improved health education governance in the near future.
If approved, these reforms may significantly reshape the future of medical and dental admissions across Pakistan.
