400 Medical Students at Risk Due to Admission Policy Dispute

In Lahore, a conflict between two private medical and dental colleges (Azra Naheed Medical College and Azra Naheed Dental College) and the University of Health Sciences (UHS) has jeopardized the dispute over admission prospects of nearly 400 students. The issue arose when the colleges refused to abide by the Punjab government’s centralized admission policy for MBBS/BDS programs in both public and private medical institutions in the province.

Key Points

Disputed Action:

• Colleges rejected the 200 students admitted by UHS.

Concerns Raised:

• Only two out of 49 private-sector colleges opposed the government’s policy.
• Possible impact on students’ future registration with PMDC.

The situation got complicated after Azra Naheed Medical College and Azra Naheed Dental College in defiance of the government’s policy refused the 200 students admitted by the UHS to join the institutions. Both colleges are part of Superior University, Lahore. 

There were reports that the colleges separately admitted 200 students allegedly in violation of policy. These were the only two out of 49 private sector colleges of Punjab that rejected the government policy and completed admissions against 150 MBBS and 50 BDS seats. Some senior medics fear future registration issues if the central admission policy is strictly enforced. The Punjab government constituted a committee to resolve the issue. The admission process is now closed, and colleges deny responsibility for UHS admissions. UHS is accused of changing merit lists, while colleges claim transparent procedures.

The committee, led by the chief secretary, met with UHS and government representatives. They discussed PMDC’s regulatory role and Punjab’s admission policy for MBBS/BDS. UHS was authorized to conduct admissions, receiving over 10,000 applications. Private institutions challenged the centralized admissions. The first selection list was issued, with 200 candidates placed in Azra Naheed Medical College and Azra Naheed Dental College, Lahore. UHS faced challenges with admissions, and communicating with the Punjab Health Department and PMDC. Superior University disputed allegations, highlighting adherence to PMDC regulations. Their admission process emphasized transparency and compliance.