PESHAWAR: Khyber Medical University (KMU) Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zia Ul Haq on Wednesday said trends in applications for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflected changing student aspirations and a growing preference for quality, innovation-driven, and diversified health education.
He expressed these views while chairing a meeting at KMU to review preparations for MDCAT 2026.The vice chancellor said the number of MDCAT applicants in the province had changed significantly over the years. “The applicant pool increased from 13,464 in 2010 to a record 46,232 in 2022, while around 38,000 candidates have registered for MDCAT 2026,” he said.
He stressed that the trend should not be viewed as declining interest in the health sector. Instead, it reflects more informed, realistic, and career-oriented decision-making, with students exploring a wider range of opportunities in healthcare.
The vice chancellor said students are no longer limiting themselves to traditional MBBS and BDS programmes. “They are increasingly opting for emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Biotechnology, Public Health, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Health Informatics, and other technology-driven healthcare disciplines,” he added.
Dr Zia Ul Haq said rising medical education costs, the longer duration of professional degree programmes, changing employment trends, and rapid technological advancements were also influencing students' academic and career choices.
He said universities worldwide are now judged not only by enrollment figures but also by the quality of education, research and innovation, graduates' competencies, and their overall contribution to society.The vice chancellor said KMU was committed to producing healthcare professionals equipped to meet future challenges.
“To achieve this, KMU is integrating Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health into its curricula, expanding Nursing and Allied Health Sciences programmes, strengthening research and innovation, aligning teaching with international standards, and developing a skilled workforce to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector,” he said.
