PM&DC applauds Punjab’s increase in ICT student quota for medical colleges

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has commended the Punjab government for its decision to significantly increase the quota for students residing in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) in Punjab’s public sector medical and dental colleges for the academic year 2024-25.

According to the PM&DC, the move addresses long-standing concerns over limited opportunities for ICT students and indicates its commitment to ensuring fairness and inclusion in medical education.

The issue gained significance when the Punjab government initially announced a reduction in the seats allocated for ICT students under Clause 11 of the 2024-25 Admission Policy, limiting their quota to just three seats. This sparked widespread concern among students and prompted them to seek intervention from PM&DC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj.

In response, the PM&DC, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services, the Standing Committee on Health, and other stakeholders, advocated for a review of the policy. The Punjab government, after thorough consultation, increased the quota from three to thirty.

Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj stressed that the decision promotes equal access to medical education and prioritizes the well-being of students. “By increasing the quota for ICT students, we are promoting a more inclusive and balanced approach to medical education, which benefits the entire nation,” he said.

He also highlighted the growing need for such initiatives due to the rapid population growth in recent years and appreciated the joint efforts of all stakeholders in reaching this resolution.

The PM&DC reiterated its commitment to resolving inter-provincial admission policies and expressed the hope that this decision would contribute to greater educational equity across the country.