Admissions to private medical colleges across the country have declined markedly owing to high fees, leaving dozens of seats vacant.
According to details, in view of this situation, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has relaxed the merit criteria to fill the unoccupied places. In Lahore and other parts of the country, a shortfall in admissions to private medical colleges has left many seats vacant, prompting the council to take an important decision and ease the admission policy.
Under the new decision, the merit for MBBS has been reduced from 55 per cent to 52 per cent, while for BDS it has been lowered from 50 per cent to 47 per cent. A formal notification has been issued in this regard.
According to the PMDC, the reduction in merit will apply only to vacant seats and is a temporary measure, not to be adopted as a permanent policy.
Private medical and dental colleges have also been directed to consider reducing fees, while orders have been issued to ensure that all admissions are conducted on merit and transparency, with strict oversight of the admission process.
