In a major step toward promoting equitable access to medical education, Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal on Friday announced the allocation of 333 additional medical and dental college seats for students from Balochistan and the former FATA region for the academic year 2024-25.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM and DC) head office, where the minister underscored the government’s commitment to addressing longstanding regional disparities in the healthcare education sector.
The additional seats, approved following recommendations of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, will be granted over and above the existing quota for Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholars from the two underserved regions. The measure aims to uplift students from socio-economically marginalized areas by improving their access to professional medical education.
‘This decision is not just about increasing numbers; it is about building a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system that truly represents the strength and diversity of Pakistan,’ Kamal stated. He added that the initiative forms part of the broader agenda of national integration and inclusive development.
The minister thanked Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for his personal involvement in the matter and acknowledged the support of the PM and DC President and members, who facilitated swift approval of the policy. He noted that a formal notification of the seat allocation has already been issued.
Public sector medical and dental colleges in Balochistan and FATA have been advised to apply for seat enhancement in accordance with PM and DC regulations, ensuring that capacity building is aligned with quality standards. Provincial governments have also been urged to expedite the allocation process for the new seats.
To ensure accountability and fairness, the PM and DC will closely monitor the implementation, with a focus on transparency and merit-based selection.
Framing the move as both educational reform and a nation-building effort, Kamal concluded, ‘This initiative is a testimony to what can be achieved when leadership, policy, and purpose align for the greater national interest.’