PMDC lauds Punjab’s decision to enhance ICT students’ quota in medical colleges

Islamabad : The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Wednesday commended the Punjab government for accepting the suggestion to significantly increase the quota of Islamabad Capital Territory-domiciled students in the province's public sector medical and dental colleges for the academic year 2024-2025.

According to the PMDC, the step addresses a critical concern for ICT students and reinforces the commitment to fairness and inclusion in medical education

“The issue of ICT students’ admissions gained attention after a reduction in allocated seats was announced. Many students approached the PMDC president who alerted the relevant heads. In response, the Punjab government reviewed an increase in the quota seats for ICT-domiciled students,” a spokesperson for the PMDC said. He said the recently announced admission policy for the 2024-25 session by the Punjab government, under Clause 11, restricts the quota for ICT-domiciled students to only three seats.

“Recognising the potential impact of this reduction on students’ aspirations, the PMDC collaborated closely with the ministry of national health services, the NA standing committee on health and other stakeholders. After a thorough review and consultation, the Punjab government increased the quota from three to 30 seats,” he said. PMDC president Prof Rizwan Taj said that the increase in the quota seats reflected equitable access to education and highlighted the importance of prioritizing student welfare.

He said by increasing the quota for ICT students, the PMDC was developing a more inclusive and balanced approach to medical education, which benefited the entire nation. “The need for this has become evident due to the rapid increase in population observed over the past few years.”

The PMDC president said the regulator appreciated the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including the health services ministry and the standing committee on health for highlighting the issue. He emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to address the inter-provincial admission policies and expressed hope that the decision will improve educational equity.