PMDC medical college ban

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced a three-year ban on the establishment of new medical and dental colleges across the country. This unprecedented move comes in response to a critical shortage of qualified teaching staff and growing concerns about the declining quality of medical education. The decision aims to stabilize existing institutions and ensure that academic standards are not compromised by unchecked expansion.

Key Highlights

• Ban Duration: 3 years (2025–2028)
• Scope: All new medical and dental colleges across Pakistan
• Reason: Acute shortage of qualified teaching faculty and concerns over educational standards
• Announced by: PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj during a Senate Standing Committee meeting
• MDCAT Update: The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) will continue as scheduled nationwide.

Why Did PMDC Impose the Ban?

Faculty Shortage

• Pakistan currently has 187 medical and dental colleges.
• Required faculty: 26,018
• Available faculty: 22,746
• This shortfall has led to:
  • Deterioration in educational competence
  • Compromised clinical training and research
  • Negative impact on patient care and public health

Unchecked Growth

• Rapid increase in the number of institutions without adequate staff or facilities.
• Many new colleges lack the infrastructure and faculty to maintain quality education.
• PMDC aims to stabilize and strengthen current institutions before allowing further expansion.

Official Statement

“Unchecked growth of institutions has created significant challenges. Many lack the proper faculty and facilities to uphold quality medical education. PMDC wants to first stabilize existing institutions before allowing any further expansion in the sector.”
— PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj

Implications of the Ban

For Students

• No new admissions in newly established colleges for the next three years.
• Existing colleges will continue to admit students as per current regulations.
• MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) will still be held nationwide.

For Medical Education

• Focus will shift to improving standards in existing colleges.
• Regulatory mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure compliance with PMDC standards.
• The moratorium also applies to increasing student seats, as this would further strain faculty resources.

For Healthcare

• The move is expected to improve the quality of medical graduates.
• Better-trained doctors will enhance patient care and public trust in Pakistan’s healthcare system.

Table: Current Faculty Shortage in Pakistan’s Medical Colleges

Parameter	Value
Total Medical/Dental Colleges	187
Faculty Required	26,018
Faculty Available	22,746
Faculty Shortfall	3,272
Impact	Decline in educational and clinical standards