ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has decided to add 333 medical seats for students from Balochistan and former FATA areas to support their medical education.
As per the details, Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations, spoke at a press conference after visiting the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). He said the goal is to help students from less developed and remote areas, especially Balochistan and FATA, access medical and dental education.
The minister explained that the government wants to ensure equal opportunities and bring the country together. The PMDC, following the Senate Standing Committee’s advice, has allocated 333 extra seats for HEC scholars from Balochistan and FATA for the 2024–25 academic year.
Kamal said this decision aims to reduce regional differences and build a healthcare system that represents Pakistan’s diversity. He thanked the prime minister for his guidance and the PMDC for their efforts in making this possible.
A notification for this decision has been issued for the current academic year. Public medical and dental colleges in FATA and Balochistan have been asked to apply for more seats after meeting PMDC’s rules. This step is meant to ensure no student is denied quality education due to their background.
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Provincial governments have been told to finalize the allocation process quickly. The PMDC will monitor the process to ensure it is fair and transparent.
Kamal said this initiative is about education, national unity, and improving healthcare for all Pakistanis. He also thanked the PMDC president for their leadership in making this reform happen.
In a separate issue, a conflict between two private medical and dental colleges and the University of Health Sciences (UHS) has affected nearly 400 students.
Azra Naheed Medical College and Azra Naheed Dental College, part of Superior University in Lahore, reportedly rejected the Punjab government’s central admission policy for MBBS/BDS programs. They refused to admit 200 students assigned by UHS and admitted 200 others, allegedly against the policy.
