Report: Parliamentary Reporter ANI :
ISLAMABAD –The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, has directed that MDCAT 2026 results remain valid while recommending a reduction in the validity period of future results from three years to one year, effective from the next academic year.
The committee reviewed complaints regarding MDCAT 2026 in the presence of vice chancellors of the conducting universities. They informed members that no major irregularities affecting the examination's credibility had been reported and that complaints concerning question papers and answer keys had been addressed.
The committee also considered the findings of a six-member Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) team that visited the Sukkur IBA examination centre and reported no serious irregularities.
To improve transparency, the committee directed that question papers be made available to students after future examinations.
Taking notice of excessive fee collection by private medical colleges, the committee directed PM&DC to strengthen regulatory oversight and take strict action against institutions charging fees beyond approved limits. It also sought details of institutions granted fee increases and directed action against colleges collecting unauthorised charges.
The committee also reviewed the August 26, 2026, nursery fire incident at PIMS Mother and Child Hospital. The Ministry informed members that work on all 34 recommendations was underway, with progress being reviewed fortnightly at the Prime Minister's level.
Other matters included the 400-bed Polyclinic Hospital project, regulation of private healthcare facilities, the operationalisation of the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority and concerns raised by doctors regarding FBR matters.
The committee directed the Ministry to present the draft Pharmacy Council Bill within one month and appreciated the Health Minister for his continued participation and engagement with the parliamentary committee.
