Private Medical Colleges in Punjab Ask for February Extension in MBBS Admissions

Private medical college principals in Punjab have extended the deadline for filling vacant Medical Bachelor of Science (MBBS) seats until February 28, agreeing to offer full refunds to students who withdraw by March 31. This decision follows a consultative meeting held at the University of Health Sciences and chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore.

Colleges initially had an earlier deadline of February 13 but faced unfilled slots. Participants decided on extending this period until February 28, subject to approval from the Provincial Admission Committee (PAC). The move aligns with a recent extension in the overall MBBS admissions schedule announced by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.

The proposed arrangement sees private colleges concluding their admissions against vacant seats between February 24 and February 28. Officials have stressed that academic sessions must proceed as scheduled.

Additionally, candidates who withdraw admission by March 31 will receive full refunds without deductions. Students seeking to transfer to another institution must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from their current college, with NOCs not being refused until February 24.

Separately, officials report that Punjab is facing a significant shortage of practicing doctors, particularly in light of many graduates leaving the profession soon after completing their degrees. According to official sources, more than half of roughly 8,000 annual MBBS graduates pursue alternative careers, resulting in nearly 3,000 vacant government hospital posts.

Experts attribute this trend to factors such as low salaries, limited career incentives, parental pressure, and inadequate guidance for medical students seeking other professions. To address staffing gaps, the Punjab government has announced plans to create 475 additional positions across 12 medical colleges. Authorities are also considering hiring retired doctors on contract to fill specialist roles in government hospitals.

This development underscores the challenges faced by the healthcare sector and highlights efforts to mitigate these issues through proactive measures.