The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services has called for immediate reforms to address rising concerns over the validity of Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) results. Chaired by MNA Mahesh Kumar Malani, the committee reviewed key issues including PMDC regulations, increasing vacant MBBS/BDS seats, IBCC equivalency disputes, and governance lapses in the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC).
Members criticized the three-year validity of MDCAT scores, arguing that varying difficulty levels across years create an unfair advantage for some candidates. The Health Minister acknowledged the concerns and said that while current admissions cannot be altered, legislative amendments will be considered.
The panel also examined the growing number of vacant seats caused by student transfers and discipline changes. Suggestions to restrict inter-college transfers and improve waiting list management were discussed. The Health Minister directed PMDC, the Law Division, and university vice chancellors to submit a legally vetted strategy within two days.
Concerns over IBCC’s equivalency formulas—particularly affecting Cambridge-system students—were highlighted, with the chair instructing members to coordinate directly with IBCC for a fair revision.
Administrative irregularities in PNMC also came under scrutiny, including the continued involvement of Ms. Yasmin Azad despite prior removal orders. The Health Minister confirmed the reconstituted PNMC would convene next week to resolve pending matters. Additional discussions covered DRAP oversight, pharmacy referral practices near federal hospitals, and the transfer of a 200-bed TB hospital to the Punjab government.
