Sindh Government Faces Delays in Announcing MDCAT Date Amid Organizational Confusion
Sindh govt Delays in announce date for MDCAT in province Sindh government has yet to announce a date for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) in the province, leaving aspiring medical students in a state of uncertainty. The delay is attributed to miscommunication and a lack of coordination among the provincial government’s health department, universities, boards, and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Sukkur. Complicating matters further, the IBA Karachi has refused to conduct the test in Karachi, adding to the growing concerns over the exam’s management and timely execution.
Background: Court-Ordered Retest
The Sindh High Court, in response to complaints about irregularities in the previously conducted MDCAT, ordered the provincial government on October 26, 2024, to conduct the test again within four weeks. The court instructed the IBA Karachi to organize the test for candidates from Karachi and the IBA Sukkur for candidates from other parts of the province. However, the IBA Karachi declined the responsibility, citing internal reasons, which led to an administrative deadlock.
IBA Karachi’s Refusal and Lack of Progress
Following IBA Karachi’s refusal, a formal meeting was held to address the issue, but it ended without a clear solution. IBA Karachi cited logistical and operational challenges as reasons for its inability to conduct the test. Despite this, the Sindh Health Department has yet to take decisive action. Sources reveal that only one official meeting has been conducted so far, indicating a lack of urgency and seriousness from the authorities.
The health department now has less than three weeks left to organize the MDCAT for approximately 38,041 candidates across the province.
Concerns Over IBA Sukkur’s Capacity
However, this arrangement raises several logistical concerns. The health department has not issued any written orders to IBA Sukkur, nor has it allocated the necessary resources or funds to facilitate the test. Furthermore, IBA Sukkur reportedly lacks a question bank that aligns with the intermediate pre-medical level, which is essential for conducting a fair and standardized exam.
The lack of formal communication and planning has created significant challenges for IBA Sukkur, which may struggle to meet the required standards without proper support from the health department. The absence of clear guidelines and resources could compromise the quality and fairness of the test, potentially affecting thousands of aspiring medical students across Sindh.
Inaccessible Health Secretary and Growing Frustration
Efforts to reach Health Secretary Rehan Baloch for clarification have been unsuccessful. According to sources, the health secretary has neither issued any instructions to IBA Sukkur nor provided any official support to ensure the smooth conduct of the MDCAT. This lack of communication and accountability has intensified the frustration among students and parents who are eagerly awaiting updates.
The Sindh government’s handling of the MDCAT retest has raised serious concerns about its commitment to students’ education and future. The delay and lack of organization are particularly troubling given the importance of the MDCAT as a gateway to medical and dental colleges. Students have invested significant time and effort in preparing for this exam, and any further delay could have a detrimental impact on their academic and career aspirations.
The Urgent Need for Clear Communication and Swift Action
With the deadline set by the Sindh High Court approaching, it is imperative for the Sindh government to address the situation with urgency.
The Sindh government also needs to establish clear communication channels with students, parents, and other stakeholders. Regular updates on the MDCAT schedule, testing arrangements, and any changes in the process would help alleviate the stress and uncertainty faced by thousands of candidates.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
The Sindh government’s current approach to handling the MDCAT retest reflects a lack of accountability and transparency. With the future of over 38,000 students at stake, it is essential for the health department and other responsible authorities to act decisively and responsibly. The MDCAT is not just an exam; it is a critical stepping stone for aspiring medical professionals, and any mismanagement could have long-lasting consequences on their futures.
As the clock ticks closer to the court-mandated deadline, the Sindh government must rise to the occasion, prioritize students’ needs, and ensure a smooth, timely, and fair MDCAT process. Students and their families deserve clarity, commitment, and action—not bureaucratic delays and administrative hurdles.
