ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), led by President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, held a meeting with vice chancellors from public universities authorized to conduct the upcoming Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). The exam is scheduled for September 22, 2024, and will take place in 30 cities, including two international centers in Riyadh and Dubai.
Participating vice chancellors included Prof. A.W. Rathore (UHS Lahore), Prof. Dr. Saeed Qureshi (Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi), Prof. Dr. Zia-ul-Haq (Khyber Medical University Peshawar), Prof. Dr. Tariq Iqbal (Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University Islamabad), and Zafar Ullah (Registrar, Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences Quetta).
University authorities informed the PMDC that admit cards have been issued and all necessary preparations are in place, ensuring compliance with required protocols. To facilitate a secure exam environment, cooperation from government authorities and security agencies has been arranged.
The PMDC emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness in the MDCAT process, a critical step in selecting future medical and dental professionals. The council has directed all participating institutions to implement strict oversight during the examination to prevent malpractice and ensure integrity.
In a bid to maintain order during the MDCAT, the PMDC has requested the enforcement of Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings and the use of electronic devices to deter cheating and disruptions. Law enforcement will oversee compliance, with violators facing legal repercussions.
Furthermore, Key directives issued by the PMDC include, Comprehensive candidate verification and identification procedures the deployment of invigilators and monitoring teams to uphold examination standards. Use of modern surveillance technology to monitor exam centers and deter malpractice. Implementation of tamper-proof systems to ensure secure handling of exam materials. Additionally, universities have been instructed to take appropriate action against anyone found engaging in cheating or other dishonest practices during the exam.
Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj underscored the significance of the MDCAT in selecting qualified candidates for medical and dental education in Pakistan. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure a smooth and successful examination process, reinforcing the standards of the country's medical and dental education system.
Universities conducting the MDCAT have arranged examination centers as follows: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University has set up 33 centers, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) 26 centers, Khyber Medical University (KMU) 13 centers, and Dow University of Health Sciences 6 centers.
He further stated that a total of 167,744 students have been registered for the MDCAT exam. The breakdown of candidate registered for exam in the provinces are Punjab with 58,380 students, Sindh with 38,678, KPK with 42,329, Balochistan with 5,806, ICT with 18,408, AJK 3,145, Gilgit-Baltistan with 739, and 259 international students.
He advised the candidates to refrain from any unethical behavior during the examination and reminded them that strict penalties will be imposed on those attempting to cheat or engage in fraudulent activities.
Additionally, PM&DC emphasized to both students and invigilators the importance of following the established rules and guidelines to ensure the credibility and fairness of the MDCAT. Any misconduct or violations will result in disciplinary action including debarring of the candidates from future examinations.