MDCAT, a major reform proposal in medical college admissions
ISLAMABAD – A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Health has recommended major reforms in the MDCAT and medical college admissions system, including conducting the test twice a year and reducing its admission weightage from 50% to 30%.
The report prepared by a sub-committee comprising Convener Anusha Rehman, Senator Samina Zehri and Senator Jahanzeb recommended reducing reliance on a single exam to determine a student’s future in medical education.
He suggested giving students a second chance to take the MDCAT in the same year so that those who fail the exam do not lose an entire academic year.
The committee also recommended examining the possible impact of introducing negative marking in MDCAT and allowing test results to remain valid for three years.
He emphasized that the exam date should be announced in advance and should not be changed except in exceptional circumstances.
The sub-committee called for a formal complaint and review mechanism for ambiguous, incorrect or controversial questions in the MDCAT. He said students should not depend on private academies for months to prepare for the exam.
The report also emphasized the need to make MDCAT fair and equitable for students from FSc, Cambridge and O/A level backgrounds. It recommended involving experts from Cambridge, O/A level and International Baccalaureate system in developing MDCAT syllabus.
Shortage of medical seats and doctors
The committee also expressed concern over the number of seats in the medical college compared to the number of applicants.
According to the report, around 169,520 candidates appeared for the MDCAT in 2024, while around 16,648 cleared the exam. The total number of medical and dental seats in the country is around 22,300.
The committee identified this situation, where the number of eligible candidates is less than the available seats, as a major problem for the admission policy.
It recommended preparing a five-year plan for increasing the number of seats in medical colleges, gradually increasing the number of seats in public sector medical colleges and creating more opportunities for medical education in backward areas including Balochistan and Azad Kashmir.
The report states that more than 40,000 qualified Pakistani doctors have gone abroad for work in recent years.
Questioning the policy of restricting access to medical education despite the need for doctors in the country, the committee called for a comprehensive policy to increase the healthcare workforce.
It also recommended revising the high fees charged by private medical colleges, increasing financial assistance for deserving students and ensuring effective utilization of vacant medical seats.
Proposal for a permanent relief mechanism
The sub-committee proposed a permanent relief mechanism for MDCAT candidates affected by floods, natural calamities and security situations, eliminating the need for separate decisions during emergencies every year.
Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) was also urged to publish complete annual data on MDCAT registrations, results, available seats and admissions.
The committee recommended setting up of an expedited grievance procedure, fast-track email service and an efficient call center for students.
He called for making the PMDC more transparent, accountable and efficient, stressing that any major change in the MDCAT policy should undergo legal review and receive formal approval.
Overall, the sub-committee identified the current system of medical admissions as requiring major reforms, calling for a fair, merit-based and transparent system in line with the real needs of Pakistan’s healthcare workforce.
The post Important reforms in MDCAT, proposal for admissions in medical college appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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