PMA Raises Concerns Over MDCAT Entrance Test Process
By Farzana Chaudhry, Lahore, Pakistan LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has expressed concerns over the examination process of the MDCAT entrance test conducted by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore, saying certain measures taken during the examination have raised questions among candidates. The concerns were expressed during an emergency meeting of PMA…
By Farzana Chaudhry, Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has expressed concerns over the examination process of the MDCAT entrance test conducted by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore, saying certain measures taken during the examination have raised questions among candidates.
The concerns were expressed during an emergency meeting of PMA Lahore, where officials discussed the conduct of the entrance examination and the difficulties reportedly faced by students.
According to PMA Lahore, despite the successful conduct of the test, the decision to withdraw question papers from candidates, reportedly in accordance with directions from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), was contrary to previous examination practices and had created uncertainty among students.
PMA officials said the decision had contributed to an atmosphere of concern and distrust among candidates, which, they maintained, should be avoided in examinations of national importance.
PMA Lahore called for measures to make the examination process more transparent, workable and student-friendly. It urged the authorities to address the concerns of students who were dissatisfied with the examination and ensure transparency by fulfilling all relevant legal requirements.
The association also called for a free rechecking facility for candidates, saying such a mechanism could help address genuine concerns and restore students’ confidence in the examination process.
PMA Lahore further stressed that the interests and constitutional rights of students should be given due consideration in the conduct of such examinations in the future.
The association said a national-level examination such as the MDCAT should be conducted through a transparent, fair and credible process to ensure equal opportunities for students aspiring to become doctors.
