Senate Panel Calls for Review of MDCAT and Foreign Admission Rules
The Senate sub-committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has urged a comprehensive review of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) policy framework and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) rules on foreign admissions. The call comes amid concerns over transparency, fairness, and stakeholder engagement in medical admissions across Pakistan.
Under the convenorship of Senator Anusha Rehman, the sub-committee met at Parliament House to evaluate preparations for MDCAT 2026 and discuss reforms to improve uniformity in medical college admissions. A key focus was the existing policy that assigns a 50 percent weight to MDCAT scores in the admission process, with members scrutinizing how this impacts students from diverse educational backgrounds, including A-Level candidates.
Senators raised particular issues regarding a recent directive by the PMDC mandating MDCAT for students aiming to pursue MBBS degrees abroad. The committee questioned the legal basis for this requirement, describing it as lacking clear statutory support. They also pointed out that with 743 vacant seats in medical and dental colleges nationwide, imposing universal restrictions on foreign admissions requires further justification.
The PMDC defended the regulation as a move to discourage enrolment in low-quality foreign medical institutions. However, the sub-committee recommended that instead of blanket restrictions, the council should publish a list identifying foreign medical colleges that fail to meet acceptable standards. This, they argued, would empower students and parents to make more informed choices.
Another topic of discussion was the MDCAT syllabus alignment. Members noted that it closely mirrors the Intermediate curriculum, potentially placing A-Level students at a disadvantage. The committee linked this and other structural issues to the persisting vacancies in medical and dental institutions, calling for broad reforms.
Cost disparities in medical education were also highlighted, with tuition fees in countries like China being considerably lower than in Pakistan. Additionally, concerns were voiced about the international recognition of Pakistani dental qualifications in certain regions.
The sub-committee received briefing on the financial management of MDCAT examination fees, emphasizing the need for transparency in fee collection, utilization, and auditing processes.
To ensure inclusive policy formulation, Senator Rehman directed the organization of a public hearing. This hearing will invite medical students, practitioners, and university vice chancellors to provide input on improving the medical admissions framework and related legislation.
The sub-committee’s recommendations underscore the need for a participatory approach involving all stakeholders to address the challenges facing medical education admissions and to enhance standards across the board in Pakistan.
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