PIMA Rejects Proposed Revisions to Medical Admissions Criteria

The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has strongly opposed the proposed changes to medical and dental admission criteria, calling the move unacceptable and against merit. PIMA Central President Prof Atif Hafeez Siddiqui stated that the current system is transparent and merit-based, with a uniform MDCAT syllabus and nationwide examination. He noted that no significant objections, corruption, or malpractice have been reported in the test’s conduct.

Prof Siddiqui emphasized that revising the admission criteria at this stage would undermine the credibility of the MDCAT framework. He warned that lowering merit standards could compromise transparency, academic quality, and professional training, ultimately affecting the competence of doctors entering Pakistan’s healthcare system.

The association urged the government to maintain the existing admission policy and ensure that any decisions regarding medical education uphold merit, safeguard standards, and serve the national interest.