Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses a session of the National Assembly. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/NA
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination on Monday expressed serious concern over private medical and dental schools’ non-compliance with Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) approved fee structure and called for strict enforcement of rules.
The meeting, led by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA, raised a wide range of public health and regulatory issues, including increased medical college fees to the fairness of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) and irregularities in the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC).
Officials informed the committee that despite the prescribed fee limit of Rs1,800,000 to Rs2,500,000 per annum, several institutions continued to charge higher amounts.
The PMDC stated that 14 colleges had been issued notices of violations and further investigations are underway.
Members demanded that the details of these institutions, including convening dates and follow-up measures, be shared with the committee. The Minister for NHSR&C assured that the issue was under active review and a survey was being conducted to verify fee structures across all colleges.
The Chairman welcomed members and appreciated their continued commitment while calling for the resolution of long pending cases including the promotion of two PMDC staff which had been approved by the FIA and the Ministry.
The committee recommended that the case be closed without further delay.
During the discussion on MDCAT, members raised concerns over the two-year validity of test scores and the absence of a relative marking system, arguing that the policy discouraged high-achieving students from reapplying.
The chairman noted that thousands of students had secured over 95 per cent marks, but limited seats left many at a disadvantage. The committee recommended revising the policy to ensure fairness and equal opportunity.
The minister explained that over 6,000 standardized questions had been developed from a common syllabus, divided into sets for transparency, and ensured further consultations with provinces and the National Academic Board.
The committee members also emphasized that the academic future of the students must be secured in case of withdrawal from the college and that PMDC should adopt proactive regulation rather than post-complaint action.
The Committee also considered Starred Questions No. 20, 23 and 49 along with “Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024” moved by Syed Rafiullah, MNA.
Members expressed concern over delayed and inadequate responses from the ministry on irregular appointments and administrative lapses. Despite earlier committee directions, no significant corrective action had been taken, it was noted.
