KARACHI: On increased complaints of denying admissions to merit students, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro has expressed great concern and issued warning letters to the two colleges of Karachi i.e. Hamdard Medical College and Liaquat National Medical College, Karachi.
Talking to this scribe, the Vice Chancellor LUMHS Dr. Ikram Ujjan confirmed that these both colleges have refused to admit students secured merit in reconducted MDCAT by the versity.
In this connection, registrar LUMHS has written letters to the Principals of Hamdard Medical College Karachi and Liaquat National Medical College, Karachi mentioning that they have received many complaints regarding denial of admission by the college without any valid reason which is a gross violation of notification of the health department, government of Sindh and Pakistan Medical & Dental Council Act, 2022.
The registrar LUMHS has directed the college principals to admit only selected candidates list shared by this university, in both letter and spirit. Any admissin of candidates beyond the provided list will not be recognized for admission of PM&DC registration, letter stated.
The registrar LUMHS reminded the colleges that the health department, government of Sindh vide notification no.SO(ME)1-1-AP/2024-25, dated 14-06-2024, has authorized, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro to conduct admission process for both public and private sector medical and dental universities/colleges in Sindh province for the academic session 2024-2025 in accordance with Pakistan Medial & Dental Council, Act 2022.
In compliance with the health department, government of Sindh notification and PM&DC regulation, the Liaquat University of medial & Health Sciences, Jamshoro initiated the admissions process, opened admission portal and finalized selection lists based on candidate's choice & merit preference. These lists were then forwarded to the respective Colleges including Liaquat National College for further admission processing, it added.
In case they proceed with such unauthorized admissions, this university will have no option but to report the matter to the health department, government of Sindh and Pakistan Medical & Dental Council for immediate legal action in accordance with relevant rules and regulations.
The vice chancellor of LUMHS Dr. Ikram Ujjan told that they have sent it's copy to PM&DC as well. "We have received almost 50 complaints of students those are denied admissions. It's not fair and illegal as well. We will uphold and ensure merit is followed. Colleges are violating the spirit of MDCAT and denying merit which is worrying, " he added.
When contacted, spokesperson of LNH Mr. Amjad Rizvi denied allegations of refusal of admissions. "We have not refused any student and are following LUMHS merit list. Our admissions will start from Thursday (Feb 06)," he confirmed.
The LNH college principal and our affiliating university JSMU VC have talked to the VC LUMHS and assured him full transparency. "We have responded the LUMHS concerned in writing as well. There shouldn't be any ambiguity in it that merit won't be followed," Mr. Amjad Rizvi reaffirmed.
Spokespersons of Hamdard University were also contacted but they didn't reply.
The President PM&DC Dr. Taj has taken serious notice on the complaints of denying admissions to merit students by few colleges in Karachi. Talking to this scribe, Dr. Taj told that the council has already issued a public notice in this effect.
Through this notice, it's directed that all all admissions in medical and dental colleges be made strictly in accordance with the "PM&DC Medical and Dental Undergraduate Education (Admissions, Curriculum and Conduct) Policy and Regulations, 2023" and shall be conducted strictly as per the merit list circulated/transmitted by the respective admitting universities.
Any deviation from the process prescribed under the law and regulations made thereunder will be considered a sheer violation and may result in necessary disciplinary action, he warned.
