Insufficient resources: Students protest against limited seats at government medical colleges

Lahore: Large number of aspirants together with their parents on Monday protested against the government of Punjab demanding an increase in seats at government sector medical colleges.

The aspirants who had recently given the medical college entrance test (MCAT) exam said that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) had announced last year that seats will be increased in government sector medical colleges however only private medical colleges were given preferences.

While protesting in front of the Punjab Assembly, Saira Ali, a student, said that the government had announced 829 seats will be increased this year.

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But, the decision was not implemented.

“There is just one alternative in this condition, which is to apply for admission in private sector medical colleges however they are too much costly,” she added.

“Almost 4 million Rs is required to graduate from a private sector medical college that my family cannot afford. Education is a basic right and we demand the government to increase the seats in government sector medical colleges,” said Saira.

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Whereas, the other protestors said since 2013 the same number of seats that is 3,000  was being offered and no increase, in spite of a notification to increase seats by the government, had been made at government medical colleges.

The aspirants held placards and banners in support of their demands and shouted slogans against the Punjab government.