Punjab govt increases quota for ICT students in medical colleges

LAHORE: In a recent educational development, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has made a recommendation to the Punjab government, to substantially enhanced the quota of  Islamabad ICT-domiciled students in the public sector medical and dental colleges of Punjab while taking admission to the academic year 2024-25.

It was amongst the most important demands of the students of ICT and a commitment to fairness and inclusion in medical education. The issue of admissions to ICT students drew the limelight when a cut in the number of allocated seats was announced and students started approaching the President PM&DC en masse.

 Thereupon, the Punjab government reviewed an increase in the quota seats for ICT-domiciled students, and after a due review and consultations with the Ministry of National Health Services, the Standing Committee on Health, and all stakeholders,  increased the quota from three to 30 seats.

While, the President PM&DC, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj said that increase in the quota seats has manifested equal opportunity to  get admission in the educational institution and a proof of prioritizing students’ welfare, stating more quota for students of ICT translates working out for a more inclusive and balanced approach towards medical education in the best interest of the whole nation.

 This rise has been realized necessary on account of rapid rise in the population during the past few years. The PM&DC  acknowledges active consideration of all stakeholders including  the Ministry of Health and Standing Committee on health for bringing this issue to resolution.

The council ensured that the government will continue working on the admission policies across provinces and hopes will bring about equality in education.