Doctors have condemned the decision of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to reduce Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test passing marks, demanding immediate withdrawal.
PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said the decision addresses symptoms rather than causes, emphasizing high tuition costs as the real issue behind vacant seats.
The council argued the notification prioritizes financial interests of private institutions over educational standards, undermining its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the medical profession.
Doctors highlighted unfairness for previous applicants who met stricter criteria but were denied admission, questioning the equity of lowering standards for current candidates.
Dr Shoro warned the decision risks creating a hazardous precedent, offering legal cover for substandard education, and potentially damaging the credibility of Pakistan’s medical system.
Earlier this week, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council announced a one‑time relaxation of up to three percent in MDCAT passing marks for MBBS and BDS.
The decision followed national‑level deliberations, including consultations with health standing committees, aimed at addressing persistent problems of unfilled seats.
All admissions already completed under the previous Admission Regulations 2025 will remain valid, ensuring continuity for students admitted before the new relaxation was formally introduced.
The council directed admitting universities and colleges to prioritise candidates who had already applied under earlier criteria, particularly within private medical and dental institutions nationwide.
If seats remain vacant after exhausting the existing pool, universities may reduce MDCAT passing percentages by up to three percent strictly to fill seats.
