JSMU was given the authority to create portals for admissions in private colleges, says Azra

KARACHI: Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Provincial Minister, Health and Population, Sindh, hinted to take action against private medical institutes which did not accept the decision of the provincial cabinet and added that Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) had been given the authority to make a portal and other arrangements for admission in private institutions.

She expressed these views while chairing a joint meeting on MDCAT along with Ismail Rahu, Minister for Universities and Boards, Sindh. The meeting was attended by Qasim Siraj, Parliamentary, Health Secretary and heads of private medical universities and colleges in Sindh.

Azra Fazal Pechuho said that the threats issued by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) to private medical colleges after the decision of the provincial cabinet had no value. She said that there were complaints that private medical colleges were not admitting children with 50 per cent marks.

She said that it was important for all private medical colleges to abide by the cabinet's decision. Dr Azra Pechoho said that the results were acknowledged despite many shortcomings and reservations in the PMC test procedure. Nowhere in the PMC bill stated that 65% marks are required for admission or registration.

She said that in case of any action taken by PMC against private institutions, the provincial government would stand with private universities or colleges.

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Previously, it was clearly stated by PMC that medical institutions who would not obey the rules and regulations of PMC would be facing legal action and the constitution of Pakistan granted the authority to PMC to decide the admission criteria.