PMA Quetta Warns of Looming Healthcare Crisis as Medical Education Declines

Association cites falling MDCAT participation, growing doctor migration and poor working conditions, urges urgent reforms to safeguard Pakistan’s healthcare system.

Staff Report

QUETTA: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone has expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating state of medical education and the healthcare sector in Pakistan, warning that the country could face a severe shortage of doctors if immediate corrective measures are not taken.

In a statement issued on Friday, the PMA spokesperson said the sharp decline in the number of candidates appearing for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) reflects the growing disillusionment of young people with the medical profession. At the same time, the migration of doctors abroad continues to rise due to low salaries, unsafe working conditions, government indifference and a lack of professional respect.

 "If this trend continues, Pakistan will face a critical shortage of doctors in the coming years, with serious consequences for the country's healthcare system," the spokesperson warned. The PMA called on the federal government and relevant institutions to immediately implement a comprehensive Healthcare Protection Law to ensure the safety and security of doctors and all healthcare workers.

The association also demanded an immediate improvement in the salaries, benefits and service structure of young doctors, house officers and postgraduate trainees. It urged the government to equip public hospitals with adequate resources, medicines, modern equipment and sufficient manpower to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services.

The PMA further called for the removal of unnecessary administrative and tax burdens on private clinics and medical institutions to create a more supportive environment for the healthcare sector. It also urged policymakers to formulate a comprehensive national policy on medical education, the MDCAT system and the career prospects of young doctors to encourage talented students to pursue the medical profession.

The spokesperson stressed that unless the government takes immediate and meaningful action, Pakistan could face a serious healthcare crisis in the near future, adding that the responsibility for such an outcome would rest with the relevant authorities.