PMDC Bans New Medical Colleges and Seat Increases Amid Faculty Shortage

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced a significant decision to halt the establishment of new medical and dental colleges and increase student seats for the next three to five years. This move comes in response to a severe shortage of qualified teaching staff, which is threatening the quality of medical education and patient care in the country.

Why the Ban Was Imposed

During a recent PMDC Council meeting, concerns were raised about the declining availability of qualified faculty members. The rapid expansion of medical institutions has outpaced the supply of skilled teachers, leading to a decline in:

• Clinical training

• Research output

• Overall academic standards

Key Statistics

The data highlights a significant gap between the number of faculty members required and those currently available.

Impact on Medical Education and Patient Care

The shortage of qualified faculty is having a direct impact on:

• Medical Education Quality: Inadequate faculty leads to insufficient training for students.

• Patient Care: Poorly trained medical professionals affect healthcare delivery.

• Research: Limited faculty reduces opportunities for research and innovation.

PMDC’s Temporary Measures

To address these challenges, the PMDC has implemented the following measures:

• A temporary ban on new medical and dental colleges.

• A halt on increasing student seats in existing institutions.

These steps aim to:

• Prevent further strain on faculty resources.

• Maintain regulatory standards.

• Ensure compliance with educational requirements.

Call for Government Intervention

The PMDC has formally approached the National Health Services to request intervention. The goal is to safeguard Pakistan’s medical education system and address the faculty shortage effectively.

Key Recommendations

• Increase incentives for medical professionals to pursue teaching careers.

• Enhance faculty training programs.

• Allocate more resources to existing institutions.