The Health Ministry orders the abolition of MDCAT amid complaints of irregularities

ISLAMABAD – The Federal Health Ministry on Thursday directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to abolish the MDCAT following complaints of irregularities in the entrance test for medical and dental colleges across the country.

The Senate Standing Committee on Health also raised concerns over irregularities in the MDCAT, and Prime Minister’s Coordinator Dr. Malik Mukhtar ordered an IT-based international system to be implemented in place of the MDCAT next year.

Dr. Malik Mukhtar stated that a powerful mafia has been trying to influence the MDCAT exam for years, and the academies that prepare students for the exam generate billions in revenue, further impacting the MDCAT.

Dr. Mukhtar told the Senate committee that there is no evidence of paper leaks for this year’s MDCAT, according to the Intelligence Bureau.

Aamir Chishti, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Health, also recommended the termination of the MDCAT and suggested the introduction of an online system similar to the American SAT or Cambridge style.