Doctors across Pakistan have strongly criticized a recent decision by the PMDC to reduce passing marks for the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT). They have demanded that the notification be withdrawn immediately, calling it harmful to academic standards.
The PMDC decision has sparked concern among medical professionals and education experts. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) said the move appears aimed at filling vacant seats in private medical colleges. However, doctors argue that the real issue is not a lack of talent. Instead, high tuition fees are preventing many students from enrolling.
According to the revised policy, passing marks have been lowered to 52 percent for MBBS and 47 percent for BDS programs. Critics say this change weakens merit-based selection. They believe it may negatively impact the quality of future doctors trained in the country.
The Pakistan Medical Association stated that the PMDC should focus on improving medical education standards instead of lowering requirements. It said that reducing passing marks does not solve the core problem. The real challenge, according to the association, is the rising cost of medical education in private institutions.
PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said the decision is short-sighted. He argued that the PMDC has failed to address the root cause of vacant seats. He added that lowering standards only benefits institutions financially, rather than helping deserving students.
Doctors also raised concerns about fairness for students from previous years. Many candidates had met higher merit standards but were not granted admission. They said the new decision creates inequality and undermines past academic achievements.
Medical professionals further warned that the PMDC move could set a dangerous precedent. They fear it may open the door to a lower-quality education system in the future. Experts said this could eventually affect the healthcare system in Pakistan.
Dr. Shoro warned that the decision could create a “hazardous legal cover for a substandard education system.” He urged authorities to reconsider the policy and prioritize merit.
In other related news also read PMDC Strengthens Regulations for Medical Colleges
Overall, doctors are calling on the PMDC to reverse the decision. They insist that maintaining strict academic standards is essential for producing qualified doctors. The debate continues as pressure builds on regulators to restore merit-based admission rules.
