OF late, Khyber Medical University (KMU) has thrown caution to the winds and has resumed the final year MBBS supplementary examinations while we face the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

Dozens of students from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have returned to their hostels where coronavirus-infected doctors and medical staff are being quarantined.

Students are in peril as they have been sitting examinations in the shadow of a deadly virus that can infect them if they encounter a coronavirus carrier. From a fellow student, doctor, paramedic, invigilator, to a hostel steward, taxi driver, or a culinarian, anyone can be a silent asymptomatic carrier.

Following the standard operating procedures does not matter anymore because practical examinations in hostels involve direct contact with patients. On the other hand, students who have been in quarantine or stuck abroad and cannot show up for examinations are about to waste their academic year and lag behind their peers. All of this will ultimately result in resentment, dissatisfaction and depression among students.

Given all these concerns, recently the University of Health Sciences (UHS), postponed the said examinations. King Edward Medical University did the same.

However, owing to the apathy of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the education ministry towards the matter in question, KMU stands firm on continuing the examinations at any cost.

Imdad Syed
Dera Ismail Khan

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2020