UHS Raises Bar for Medical Students: 90% Attendance, 70% Passing Marks Now Mandatory

LAHORE: At its 85th meeting on Monday, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) Syndicate approved new academic standards for dentistry and medical students. Under the direction of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, the meeting approved the implementation of a passing mark criterion of 70% and a minimum attendance requirement of 90% in accordance with the announcement from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC). These regulations will take effect from the 2024–25 academic year.

Students whose attendance falls below 90% will no longer be permitted to take the yearly exams, according to the new regulation. Furthermore, in order to pass the professional exams, candidates need to get a score of 70% or higher.

All first-year MBBS and BDS students who have just been admitted will be subject to these requirements beginning with the 2024–25 school year.

No action will be taken regarding students who are currently registered for ongoing programs. The current minimum attendance requirement for dental and medical schools is 85% and the passing score is 50%.

Dr. Zahid Pervaiz was appointed to the UHS Finance and Planning Committee during the meeting. In addition, two private medical colleges, Sahara Medical College in Narowal and Sharif Medical College in Lahore, have raised their MBBS seat capacity from 100 to 150, in accordance with a recent PM&DC regulation.

Professor Nadia Naseem, Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, and Registrar Kiran Fatima were present at the meeting. Members of the Punjab Specialised Healthcare and Finance Departments, as well as Professors Arshad Cheema and Maryam Malik, took part virtually.