BOLAN Medical College, Quetta, is the only medical college of Balochistan which is supposed to foster a great standard of medical education for students of the province so that they can serve the nation tomorrow as sincere and able doctors.

Unfortunately, since the BMC's inception in 1972 its admission policy has several flaws. Some of the discriminating factors, including the latest unlawful amendments to the admission policy, are as under

—The admission criterion set by the PMDC is that a student must get at least 60 per cent marks in the Intermediate examinations. But this PMDC rule has been sidelined by the BMC selection committee and is reduced to a pathetic level of 45 per cent despite warnings by the PMDC.

—22 MBBS seats announced by the Punjab government and eight seats by the Sindh government for Balochistan students were supposed to be distributed through open merit, as done before 2007. In the 2008-2009 session the percentage of open merit seats was decreased, and the seats were given on a quota basis. In 2009-2010 the number of open merit seats was further reduced to 10 out of 30 and this year (2010-1011 session) the number is reduced to nil and all seats are distributed on a quota basis.

—Because of the above-mentioned distribution of seats, the hardworking and able students of the province can't avail themselves of the opportunity of getting admission in Punjab and Sindh.

For the last few years students securing 70 to 76 per cent marks have not been able to get admission. On the contrary, students securing 45 to 49 per cent marks get admission in the BMC, and are also referred to standard medical colleges in Punjab.

—Because of unsafe conditions in Balochistan the eight reciprocal seats in the BMC for Punjab and Sindh students have remained unfilled for the last many years. These seats are then illegally filled by the college administration.

—In the session of 2008-2009, eight seats were given, without any test, to non-deserving students through Balochistan ministers.

—In the session of 2008-2009, five more seats were given to non-deserving students on the goodwill of higher authorities.

—In the session of 2009-2010, seven seats were given illegally to non-deserving students under the pressure of a students organisation.

—Also, the Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI) which was once administered by an able and honest doctor has fallen victim to manipulators. These people have recently manoeuvred to get the entry test for the PGMI, slated for Oct 4, cancelled and are now trying to get these seats for their kith and kin.

We look forward to higher authorities to intervene in the matter.

JAWAD AHMED KHAN
Via email