IBA Sukkur Sets Seven Conditions to Conduct MDCAT, Seeks Sindh Government’s Immediate Action
IBA Sukkur Sets Seven Conditions to Conduct MDCAT 2024 As the deadline for conducting the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) approaches, the Sindh government faces further complications due to new requirements set by IBA Sukkur.
The letter outlines key conditions and requirements, emphasizing the need for swift action by the government to avoid delays in the examination that is crucial for thousands of medical aspirants across the province. Here’s a detailed look at the situation and the implications of the conditions set by STS.
Background: Court-Ordered Retest and IBA Karachi’s Refusal
On October 26, 2024, the SHC ordered a re-conduct of the MDCAT in Sindh within four weeks due to reported irregularities in the previous examination. The court’s directive was to have the test conducted by IBA Karachi for candidates in Karachi and by STS for those in other parts of the province. However, IBA Karachi declined to administer the test, transferring the responsibility entirely to STS.
With only a few weeks left to meet the deadline, STS faces the challenge of organizing the test on a large scale. Seven days have already passed without formal direction from the Sindh health department, prompting STS to lay down specific conditions that the government must fulfill to enable a smooth and timely examination process.
The Seven Conditions Set by STS
The STS secretary has outlined the following conditions in a letter to the Sindh health secretary, stressing that each point is essential for the successful execution of the MDCAT:
Appointment of Focal Persons:
- STS has requested the immediate appointment of two focal persons from the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) and the Sindh health department. These focal persons will serve as key liaisons to ensure smooth communication and coordination throughout the MDCAT process.
- Online Meeting: This meeting aims to establish clear responsibilities and address any logistical concerns.
- Authorization for Province-wide Conduct: Therefore, STS has requested that the health secretary seek court approval to expand its jurisdiction to cover all of Sindh, including Karachi. This step is crucial to avoid any legal complications.
Test Fee and Financial Arrangements:
- STS has stipulated a fee of Rs6,000 per candidate, which should be deposited into an official bank account at least 15 days before the test date. This fund allocation is necessary for STS to arrange the necessary logistics, including examination centers, invigilation, and administrative support.
Access to Candidate Data:
- STS has asked the health department to provide access to all candidate data submitted through the PMDC’s online portal.
Written Approval:
- STS has requested a written confirmation from the health department accepting all the conditions outlined above.
Urgent Need for Government Action
The letter from STS reflects a sense of urgency as the deadline for conducting the MDCAT draws nearer. With only a few weeks remaining, delays in the government’s response could jeopardize the entire examination process.
The government’s inability to resolve these logistical challenges has left thousands of aspiring medical students in a state of uncertainty.
Implications of the STS Conditions
The conditions set forth by STS highlight the complexities involved in organizing a province-wide examination like MDCAT.
The stipulation of a Rs6,000 fee per candidate is also noteworthy, as it reflects the substantial financial resources needed to manage a test of this scale. Ensuring timely payment will enable STS to arrange adequate facilities, employ qualified personnel, and guarantee security during the test. Without these provisions, the integrity and smooth execution of the MDCAT could be compromised.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Transparency
The Sindh government’s response to STS’s seven-point agenda will determine the success or failure of the MDCAT retest. With the SHC-mandated deadline approaching, it is imperative for the health department and other relevant authorities to act decisively.
