Lahore (Education Desk): The Punjab government has approved a new medical admission policy for public and private medical colleges across the province. The decision came during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, as part of her health sector reforms.
Key Points of the New Policy
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✅ MDCAT Made Mandatory – All candidates must pass the MDCAT exam to secure admission in government medical and dental institutions.
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✅ Fee for Overseas Pakistanis – Children of overseas Pakistanis will now pay a $10,000 MDCAT fee.
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✅ Private College Admissions – Students whose names appear on the merit list will deposit one-third of the tuition fee with UHS. After the final merit list, UHS will transfer the fee to the concerned college, and students will pay the remaining balance directly to the institution.
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✅ Specialization Pathway – Postgraduate trainee doctors from private hospitals will be sent to private medical colleges for specialization.
Other Major Decisions
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Establishment of medical blocks in existing public universities instead of building new standalone colleges.
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Fast-tracking Nawaz Sharif Medical City project.
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Improved treatment for cancer patients at Mayo Hospital’s Ablation Centre.
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Recognition of the first successful angioplasty at Sahiwal Cardiac Centre.
Why It Matters
The government says these reforms will bring greater transparency and efficiency in the medical education system. The policy ensures fairness in admissions, streamlines payments, and addresses the growing need for specialized doctors in Punjab.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and medical education standards across the province.