UHS Admissions: Quota Rise for ICT Students

In a significant move, the Punjab government has increased the quota for Islamabad-based students in government medical and dental colleges, aiming to promote fairness and inclusion in medical education. The decision, which has been commended by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC), will see the quota rise from 3 to 30 seats for the 2024-25 academic year.

The University of Health Sciences (UHS) will handle the admission process through its online portal, with a centralized policy in place to ensure transparency and uniformity across all private medical colleges in the province. The deadline for Islamabad-based candidates to apply for MBBS admissions has been extended to January 17, while the deadline for Punjab domicile holders remains January 15. Admissions for 32 private medical colleges in Punjab will start on January 21 and end on January 30.

The increase in quota is a response to a reduction in allocated seats and addresses the critical concern of ICT students. PM&DC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj has hailed the move, saying it reflects equitable access to education and prioritizes student welfare. The UHS officials will meet stakeholders and vice chancellors soon to finalize the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for private medical institutions, with a reduction in tuition fees for private medical colleges expected this year.

The centralized admission process, managed by the UHS, aims to ensure a fair and transparent process for all students. With the increased quota and expected reduction in tuition fees, the Punjab government's decision is set to have a positive impact on medical education in the province, promoting inclusion and accessibility for students from Islamabad and beyond.