Due to concerns about educational standards and a lack of competent teachers, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has banned the opening of new medical and dental schools nationwide for three years.

Under the direction of Senator Aamir Waleeduddin, the Senate Standing Committee on National Health had a meeting on Tuesday during which the statement was made.

PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj officially announced that the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) will take place across the country on October 5.

Changes were made to the exam after it was criticized for including questions that weren't on the syllabus.

After receiving input from parents, the test was shortened from 3.5 to 3 hours and had 180 questions instead of 200, with a pool of 10,000 multiple-choice questions produced for this year.

A heated discussion on whether or not lawmakers need to be on the PMDC board was sparked by the committee's discussion of the PMDC amendment bill.

Like other regulatory agencies, Senator Humayun Mohmand contended that politicians ought to be represented.

The plan was opposed by PMDC President Dr. Taj, who said that parliamentarians have traditionally not served on the board in order to preserve neutrality.

In response, Senator Waleeduddin, the chairman of the committee, pointed to previous cases in which the National Assembly and Senate had both sat on the board.

Political inclusion was vigorously opposed by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, who said that the PMDC must be free from political interference because it has a 10-year national accreditation.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui, on the other hand, contended that organized political involvement may enhance governance and recommended stakeholder consultations prior to bill completion.

Further discussion was postponed until the following meeting of the committee.

The quality of education has been harmed by Pakistan's explosive growth of medical colleges, many of which lack adequate facilities and teachers, according to Dr. Taj.

Before new institutions are permitted, the moratorium seeks to standardize the process.

Minister Kamal underlined that reforms must preserve the integrity of the profession and that Pakistani physicians continue to enjoy great respect around the world despite obstacles.