The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services declared the MDCAT 2026 results valid on Wednesday, directing universities to proceed with admissions without delay. The decision was reached during a meeting at Parliament House chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA, where the committee reviewed the conduct and results of the examination.
During the meeting, vice chancellors of the universities that conducted the exam informed the committee that no major irregularity or serious issue affecting the overall credibility of the examination had been reported. They stated that complaints were primarily concerned with question papers and answer keys, which the respective universities had already examined and resolved. Additionally, the committee was informed that a six-member team from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) visited the Sukkur IBA examination centre and did not report any serious irregularity.
After reviewing the explanations from the universities and the PM&DC team, the committee decided the results should stand valid, noting that students should not face further uncertainty in the absence of any substantiated major irregularity. To address the issue of vacant seats in medical and dental colleges, the committee directed the Ministry of National Health Services to reduce the validity period of MDCAT results from three years to one year starting from the next academic year. The minister agreed to this direction.
The committee also stressed that question papers should be made available to students after future examinations to ensure transparency and help resolve genuine complaints. Regarding private medical colleges, the committee took notice of reports of excessive fee collection and directed the PM&DC to strengthen regulatory oversight and take strict action against institutions charging fees beyond approved limits.
The committee was informed that the prescribed minimum fee is Rs1.8 million, though 35 institutions were allowed enhanced fees based on audit reports, with some reaching a maximum of Rs2.1 million following council approval. The committee requested a complete list of these institutions, relevant audit reports, and copies of court orders. It further directed the PM&DC to provide an updated list of colleges charging fees beyond the limits and to impose maximum penalties on violators. The committee expressed concern over reports of students being harassed or prevented from attending classes for failing to pay additional charges and directed the PM&DC to ensure no institution increases fees without prior approval.
Reviewing a nursery fire at PIMS Mother and Child Hospital on August 26, 2026, the committee was told that two committees had been formed to investigate the incident and propose reforms. The Ministry reported that reports had been submitted to the Prime Minister and work on all 34 recommendations was underway, with progress being reviewed fortnightly at the Prime Minister’s level.
On other matters, the committee sought an update on the ongoing 400-bed Polyclinic Hospital project, stressing it must be completed within the stipulated timeframe. The committee also decided to invite the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to its next meeting to discuss concerns from the Pakistan Medical Association regarding doctors in private practice.
Regarding the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), the committee called for expediting the constitution and operationalization of its board, a matter currently pending before the Prime Minister. The committee also sought details of enforcement actions, and the IHRA informed the committee that approximately 400 hospitals had been sealed during 2026. Finally, the committee directed the Ministry to present the draft Pharmacy Council Bill within one month for consideration at its next meeting.
