Also decide that candidates who withdraw their admission by March 31 would receive a full refund without deductions
Some medical colleges are charging an additional fee of 10 to 20 per cent every year. PHOTO: PEXELS
LAHORE:
Principals of private medical colleges in Punjab have sought an extension until February 28 to complete admissions against vacant MBBS seats and agreed to offer full fee refunds to students who withdraw by March 31, officials said on Friday.
The decision was taken at a consultative meeting held at the University of Health Sciences and chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore.
Colleges had previously been given a February 13 deadline to fill vacant seats, but several institutions reported unfilled slots. Participants agreed to recommend extending the deadline to February 28, subject to approval by the Provincial Admission Committee (PAC).
The move follows a recent extension in the overall MBBS admissions schedule announced by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
Under the proposed arrangement, private colleges would complete admissions against vacant seats between February 24 and February 28, with no further extensions planned. Participants emphasised that the academic session must proceed as scheduled.
Read: Punjab increases medical college quota for ICT students
It was also decided that candidates who withdraw their admission by March 31 would receive a full refund without deductions. Students seeking to transfer to another college must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from their current institution. Colleges have been directed not to refuse issuance of NOCs until February 24.
Separately, officials say Punjab faces a growing shortage of practising doctors, with many medical graduates leaving the profession shortly after completing their degrees.
According to official sources, more than half of the roughly 8,000 doctors graduating annually pursue alternative careers, leaving nearly 3,000 government hospital posts vacant. Only about 40% to 45% continue in medicine and seek specialisation, while others opt for civil service, business or other professions.
Experts cite low salaries, limited career incentives, parental pressure and inadequate career guidance as key factors behind the trend.
The Punjab government has announced plans to create 475 additional posts across 12 medical colleges and increase MBBS admissions to address staffing gaps. Authorities are also considering hiring retired doctors on contract to fill specialist positions in government hospitals.
