Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal announces plans to address vacant medical college seats in Balochistan with relevant authorities amid non-compliance issues.
Federal Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal informed the Senate on Friday that the issue of vacant medical college seats reserved for students from Balochistan is genuine and will be brought up with concerned authorities. Responding to a calling attention notice regarding non-compliance with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) notification issued in April 2026, Kamal responsibility primarily lies with the respective colleges and provincial authorities.
Kamal highlighted that as a regulatory body, the PMDC had already communicated the matter to the concerned institutions and sought explanations for not filling the reserved seats allocated for students from Balochistan. He emphasized that while the federal government does not have direct operational control over admissions processes, it recognized the importance of ensuring educational opportunities for students in backward areas like Balochistan.
The minister assured the Senate that despite limitations in authority, efforts would be made to help resolve the issue. Mustafa Kamal acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and expressed a commitment from the government to support the resolution process. He health and medical education largely falls under provincial jurisdiction, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts between federal and provincial authorities to address this concern.
The minister's statement comes amid ongoing discussions about non-compliance with PMDC guidelines, which stipulate reserved seats for students from Balochistan in various medical colleges across the province. This issue has raised concerns among lawmakers who have called attention to it, highlighting the need for swift action to ensure that these educational opportunities are not left unfulfilled.
