It has been more than a week and the controversy surrounding MDCAT is worsening. The future of thousands of prospective medical and dental students remains at stake while authorities fail to take corrective measures.
The test was earlier conducted by a federal institution Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) but former health minister Qadir Patel said health was a devolved subject and provinces should conduct the test themselves. However, the provincial authorities lacked experience leading to massive cheating, paper leaks and other irregularities. Hundreds of students were found using Bluetooth devices to cheat during the tests. The situation was so grave that the Peshawar High Court gave a stay order on withholding the results.
In Sindh, the test was conducted by the Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) and attempted by 40,000 people but was also mired with cheating and paper leaks. To address these concerns, the university set up a committee to probe the irregularities and was tasked to submit its report within a week. But just days later, the health minister committee was dissolved over reservations concerning its impartiality and now another will be formed.
It was observed that the committee formed to probe the matter has been set up amid pressure. The university that conducted the test cannot hold an impartial inquiry. This requires an independent committee that can hold a thorough probe. The controversy could go on for months and the students will continue to face the brunt.
There have also been growing demands that the test should be re-conducted. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) demanded to announce the day for re-holding the test as students were losing precious time. However, the PMDC has maintained that tests will not be conducted again, but rather those responsible for the irregularities will be identified.
There is no doubt that the crucial test for future doctors and medical practitioners was poorly organized and administered. There were irregularities during the test and an organized group was responsible for the scandal. The situation is causing severe stress and anxiety among the students who worked hard to prepare for the exam. The government should take serious notice and resolve the matter. It also needs to ensure that such tests are held in a smooth manner.
