PMDC directs universities to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of MDCAT

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has instructed universities to ensure that the upcoming Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) on September 20 is executed smoothly and transparently. The MDCAT is a prerequisite for admission into medical and dental institutions throughout Pakistan, with up to 200,000 students taking the test annually, and around 25,000 qualifying for places in public and private colleges.

At a meeting attended by university vice chancellors, PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj reviewed preparations required to meet these conditions nationwide, according to a statement. This year's MDCAT will be held in 35 cities, towns, and an international center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PMDC President Taj emphasized that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also instructed for the MDCAT to be held in a fair, orderly, and integrity-preserving manner.

The meeting also addressed arrangements for medical assistance, emergency response, and facilitation services at examination sites to guarantee a secure and favorable atmosphere for all participants, including those from Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Universities and provincial authorities were advised to ensure examination centers were equipped with proper seating, required facilities, security, and services for candidates and their accompanying family members.

The PMDC provided standardized regulations for MDCAT papers, while provincial bodies and universities were responsible for on-site execution and administrative tasks, including maintaining exam secrecy and transparency. Provincial authorities and universities confirmed their readiness to meet these conditions. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) previously demanded full transparency and security in the MDCAT, along with an independent forensic audit of private colleges, due to repeated controversies such as paper leaks and administrative mishaps.

Additionally, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir health secretary reported challenges faced by students in registering for the MDCAT due to a prolonged internet outage. Earlier this month, a Senate Standing Committee on Health subcommittee voiced concerns regarding complaints about the MDCAT's conduct and its date. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) criticized directives requiring Afghan medical students to leave Pakistan, urging a review considering humanitarian and educational implications.

They argued that interrupting their education would jeopardize their academic and professional futures, and Afghanistan already faces a significant shortage of doctors and healthcare professionals.