Islamabad: The Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination, chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, held a significant meeting at the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to address issues related to the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) and the regulation of healthcare professionals.
The committee called for greater transparency and efficiency in the MDCAT process. Concerns were raised over complaints regarding out-of-syllabus questions in the 2024 exam, prompting revisions to answer keys post-assessment. Committee members emphasized the need for error-free preparation and urged the use of juvenile cards for biometric verification to curb impersonation during registration.
A proposal to decentralize MDCAT examinations was debated, suggesting that provinces conduct the exams independently, while PMDC oversees licensing. This approach aims to resolve inconsistencies and streamline processes for aspiring medical students.
A key recommendation was the exclusion of supplementary students from the MDCAT cycle, with the committee arguing that their participation could disadvantage regular candidates. Legal evaluations will finalize this decision.
Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, President of PMDC, revealed key statistics for the MDCAT 2024 exam: 167,772 candidates appeared, with one student achieving the top score of 199. A total of 20,347 seats are available for MBBS and BDS programs nationwide, highlighting intense competition. Dr. Taj assured swift admissions to ensure a timely academic year start.
The newly-formed MDCAT Reforms Committee was also discussed, tasked with creating a standardized question bank, aligning the syllabus with intermediate results, and introducing IT solutions for better exam transparency. The reforms aim to alleviate scheduling conflicts and enhance fairness in the admissions process.
Separately, the regulation of mental health professionals was addressed, with the committee recommending stringent measures to ensure adherence to international standards, responding to the growing demand for psychologists in Pakistan.
The committee reaffirmed its dedication to improving healthcare policies and the medical education system. Future discussions will focus on refining strategies based on legal consultations and stakeholder input.
Prominent attendees included Dr. Shazia Sobia, Dr. Shaista Khan, and Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi, alongside senior officials from the National Health Services Ministry.
