A Senate sub-committee has raised concerns over the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) decision to make the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) compulsory for students planning to pursue medical education abroad.
During a meeting chaired by Anusha Rehman, committee members directed PMDC and the Ministry of Health to provide all legal documents and regulations that authorize the council to impose such a requirement.
Why Is the Senate Questioning PMDC?
The issue emerged after PMDC issued an advertisement stating that students seeking admission to foreign MBBS programs must first pass MDCAT.
Committee members questioned:
- Whether PMDC has the legal authority to impose the condition
- The regulatory basis for the policy
- How MDCAT would prevent students from enrolling in low-quality foreign institutions
The committee asked PMDC to submit relevant legal provisions supporting the decision.
PMDC Explains Its Position
According to PMDC officials, the requirement was introduced to discourage students from joining substandard medical colleges outside Pakistan.
However, senators argued that requiring MDCAT may not necessarily stop students from enrolling in low-quality institutions.
Members suggested that PMDC should instead publish a list of foreign medical colleges that fail to meet recognized standards.
Concerns Over MDCAT Weightage
The committee also reviewed concerns regarding the current medical admission system in Pakistan.
Members highlighted issues with the:
- 50% weightage assigned to MDCAT in admissions
- Difficulties faced by A-Level students
- Heavy reliance on Intermediate-level syllabus content
Senators observed that MDCAT is not taught as a separate subject in schools and colleges, creating challenges for many applicants.
Vacant Medical and Dental Seats Discussed
Officials informed the committee that:
đź“Š 743 seats remain vacant in medical and dental colleges
Most of these vacant seats are reportedly in dental institutions.
Committee members linked the issue to broader concerns regarding the existing admission framework and student selection process.
Foreign Medical Education Also Discussed
The meeting also examined the cost of medical education abroad.
Officials noted that countries such as China offer medical education at significantly lower costs compared to Pakistan.
The committee further discussed concerns about international recognition of Pakistani dentistry qualifications and emphasized the need for improved academic standards and global compatibility.
Public Hearing to Be Held
Senator Anusha Rehman directed that a public hearing be organized on the issue.
The hearing is expected to include:
- Students affected by MDCAT policies
- Medical practitioners
- Vice chancellors of medical universities
- Education experts
The objective is to gather recommendations for possible policy reforms and improvements to Pakistan’s medical admission system.
What This Means for Students
At present, the MDCAT requirement for students seeking foreign medical admissions remains in place.
However, the Senate committee’s intervention suggests that the policy could face further review, particularly regarding its legal basis and practical impact on students planning to study medicine abroad.
Students considering foreign MBBS programs should continue following official updates from PMDC regarding any future changes to admission and eligibility requirements.
