The National Assembly Committee on Health Services has also recently demanded immediate MDCAT reforms in light of simmering discontent over medical and dental admissions all over Pakistan. Under chair of MNA Mahesh Kumar Malani, the committee discussed some key matters pertaining to students, universities and regulatory authorities.
The committee, after hearing out the grievances of the MDCAT community and concerns over all these anomalies such as inconsistencies in MDCAT results etc and increasing number of surrendered vacant seats in MBBS/BDS programmes gave unequivocal directives for urgent corrective measures to uphold justice and transparency in medical admissions.
Why MDCAT Reforms Are Essential
One of the major concerns pointed out was regarding a three-year time period to appear in MDCAT, as many members observed that such a system does not make level playing field for all students. Unequal difficulty levels between exam years put some students at a disadvantage leading to calls for reforms. The Health Minister acknowledged that he is unable to amend current admissions, but claimed that he would be open to making changes according to the committee’s suggestions.
Addressing Rising Vacant Seats
They also drew the attention to an increase in the number of vacant seats in medical colleges, primarily on account of students shifting from one institution to another and changing discipline. Proposed solutions include:
- Restricting inter-college transfers
- Optimizing waiting lists
- To make sure that the vacant seat is filled on time
2 days time to PMDC, Law Division and vice chancellors of the universities for submitting plan after taking legal vetting in advance so that there is no further seats’ wastage.
Tackling IBCC Equivalency Concerns
Cambridge system students express concerns regarding IBCC equivalency formulas THE NEWS International Students belonging to the Cambridge system of education have raised questions over IBCCs equivalence formulas which they fear may not make them eligible for their medical program. The committee asked members to directly discuss with IBCC this issue and provide a level playing field for everyone.
Improving PNMC Governance
Administrative irregularities in the PNMC were also highlighted especially participation of those officials who had been sacked in the past. The Health Minister said that the freshly constituted PNMC will meet next week and all pending issues would be resolved within a week.
Other Key Decisions
Additional discussions included:
- Strengthening DRAP oversight
- Analysis of the referral system in pharmacies next to federal hospitals
- Handing over of 200 bedded TB Hospital to the Punjab govt
FAQs
What are MDCAT reforms?
MDCAT reforms represent changes which have been proposed rto enhace the Medical and Dental College Admission Test process, in order to make it more fair and transaparent.
Why do we need medical admissions reform?
Its reforms need to focus on vacant posts, disparities between declared results and exams, and malpractices in governing bodies.
Who should bring MDCAT reforms?
PMDC, National Assembly Committee and Concerned University Authorities are monitoring these reforms.
Impact of MDCAT reforms on students?
Students will have fairer exams, improved seat allocation and uniform policies across medical colleges.
When do the reforms go into effect?
And while some changes are pending inspections, the committee has asked for plans that can be vetted by lawyers in a matter of days and implemented within weeks.
Conclusion
National Assembly Committee’s insistence on immediate MDCAT reforms and medical admission enhancements is the first step to fairness and transparency in country’s medical education. Students are likely to gain from the more equitable admission process and less wastage of seats, as well as better governance at institutions, if the committee’s recommendations are implemented soon.