The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) has taken a decisive step towards improving the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) by forming the MDCAT Reform Committee, which held its first meeting on Wednesday. To implement effective reforms, the committee has established three specialized sub-committees tasked with enhancing the examination system and rebuilding public confidence.
Streamlining Reforms
The MDCAT Syllabus Committee, comprising four experts, is responsible for creating a unified syllabus that bridges local and international educational standards. This includes drafting a Table of Specifications for exams and formulating a strategy for a sustainable and diverse question bank.
The E-Assessment Project Committee, with three members, is focused on introducing secure digital solutions. This entails developing a robust question bank portal and proposing a comprehensive e-assessment system, complete with technical specifications and cost analysis.
Meanwhile, the two-member MDCAT Policy Document Committee is dedicated to drafting policies for the seamless execution of the national exam.
Reform Objectives
The sub-committees are expected to submit their draft proposals by December for review and integration into an action plan. During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, PM&DC President, underscored the council’s determination to address issues within the MDCAT framework, particularly those that have eroded public trust.
“We are committed to building a transparent and credible examination system that meets both national and international standards,” Dr. Taj stated, highlighting the council’s resolve to eliminate malpractice and enhance fairness.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
Committee Chairman Prof. Dr. Suhail Amin emphasized the critical need for cognitive-level assessments and the inclusion of critical thinking and ethical considerations in the test design. He also stressed the importance of aligning MDCAT with global examination benchmarks, supported by the legal framework outlined in the PM&DC Act 2022.
The reform committee reviewed a detailed performance report for MDCAT 2024, which saw 167,772 candidates participate across Pakistan and international venues in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Challenges such as result discrepancies and retakes for some universities were discussed, along with the inconsistency in difficulty levels across provinces.
The committee also examined insights shared by the IBCC Chairman, who presented a comprehensive guide on question bank protocols and examination frameworks. These insights will help strengthen MDCAT reforms and ensure uniformity in assessments nationwide.
A Vision for Transparency and Excellence
E-assessment systems were identified as a key solution to improve the accuracy and security of the examination process. By leveraging high-tech systems that do not depend on internet connectivity, the PM&DC aims to enhance the reliability of MDCAT while addressing longstanding issues in the system.
Prof. Dr. Taj reiterated the council’s commitment to sustainable reforms. “Our focus is on creating a robust and transparent examination process that upholds public confidence and meets the expectations of aspiring healthcare professionals,” he stated.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Dr. Amin expressed gratitude to the committee members for their valuable contributions and urged them to finalize actionable proposals promptly. These reforms, he emphasized, are essential to ensuring MDCAT becomes a reliable gateway for identifying future healthcare leaders in Pakistan.
