Key Takeaways
- Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulation Mustafa Kamal disclosed that Pakistani students spending on medical education abroad amounts to USD800 million annually.
- Committee members raised concerns about the high cost of medical education in Pakistan, driving students overseas.
- PMDC plans to introduce MDCAT exams aligned with FSc curriculum to address issues faced by students.
Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulation Mustafa Kamal has revealed that Pakistani students seeking medical education abroad spend approximately USD800 million annually. This figure was disclosed during a briefing to the Senate Subcommittee on National Health Services and Regulations, chaired by Convener Senator Anusha Rahman.
Kamal stated that his ministry is working with other stakeholders to improve the medical education examination system. He directed Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) officials to ensure that test papers are set according to the FSc curriculum. The minister assured committee members that MDCAT exams will commence shortly after the FSc results are announced, adding that if the exam is not aligned with the curriculum, it would be unfair for students.
Committee members expressed serious concern over the high cost of medical education in Pakistan, which has become unaffordable for many common students. Senator Anusha Rahman highlighted her recent visit to China, noting that Chinese medical students spend around Rs5 million per annum, compared to Rs1.8 million in Pakistan. She stated that while medical education in China is of good quality, it is also expensive.
The committee members raised issues regarding the exorbitant fees and excessive extra charges levied by private medical colleges. They pointed out that high costs are driving students abroad. Kamal acknowledged these concerns and assured the committee that ministry officials would work with PMDC to address student complaints. He added that when floods occur in Balochistan, students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa often use them as an excuse to postpone exams, claiming their books were washed away.
PMDC officials informed the panel that a list of accredited foreign educational institutions will be issued, categorizing them into red and green categories. Additionally, the BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) programme has been extended to five years, matching MBBS. During a public hearing, male and female students alongside parents shared their severe hardships caused by Pakistan’s extremely expensive medical education.
Students from Balochistan highlighted that they lack both an adequate educational environment and the means to afford heavy fees, questioning how they are expected to prepare for the MDCAT. Consequently, students in Balochistan are being deprived of higher education opportunities. Parents also expressed their concerns, emphasizing the financial strain on families due to high medical education costs.
Kamal further stated that Pakistani doctors remain highly respected worldwide today and stressed the importance of producing more new doctors through merit-based systems. He suggested that if the education system improves, there might not even be a need for exams like MDCAT.
We are making serious efforts to improve the medical education examination system.
Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulation
When floods occur in Balochistan, students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa call asking to postpone exams, using the flood as an excuse and claiming their books were washed away.
Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulation
