ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) has confirmed that passing the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) is mandatory for admission to medical and dental colleges and students admitted without meeting the eligibility criteria will not be registered.

According to the regulatory body, the pass percentage for 2021-22 was set at 65 per cent or 137 marks by the Medical and Dental Council while approving the structure and criteria of MDCAT, formulated by the National Medical and Dental Academic Board.

According to a statement, the Supreme Court, in its judgement while upholding the judgement of the division bench as well as the single bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) categorically held that Section 18 (1) of the PMC Act 2020 was mandatory and binding for all admissions to public or private medical and dental colleges.

Henceforth, only students who have passed MDCAT as per the result announced by the PMC shall be eligible for admission to a medical or dental college.

It added: “Any student admitted without meeting the eligibility criteria will not be registered with PMC and will result in not being issued a licence to practice in the country. Under Section 18(2) of the PMC Act 2020, a student who has not qualified for their MDCAT shall not be granted an MBBS or BDS degree in Pakistan.

“An ostensible medical or dental degree issued by a college where a student has not qualified the PMC MDCAT therefore, will not be recognised in Pakistan and consequently shall also not be recognised internationally.”

A PMC spokesperson said any public or private medical or dental college admitting students who have not passed the MDCAT would be in violation of the law and judgements of the superior court and liable for penal action under the court of law.

“This includes the cancellation of their accreditation and registration as a medical or dental college. Strict legal action will be taken against any college that undertakes any such admissions and fails to follow the published admission criteria as per the regulations,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2021