THE whole nation seems to be against the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), arguing that the medical and dental college admission test (MDCAT) has deprived many a student of a chance to get admissions to medical and dental colleges despite having attained high marks in the intermediate examinations.

On the basis of my personal experience as a faculty member at a medical education institution in the domain of Basic Sciences, I find it appropriate to put on record the fact that ever since the MDCAT pass percentage was raised last year, I have come across students who are genuinely interested in their studies. Instead of a huge crowd of indifferent students, I am now surrounded by attentive eyes. I enjoy delivering lectures much more than before when the MDCAT bar was set at 40 per cent.

As I also practice medicine, I come across young doctors who are just not competent enough to be there in hospitals. The National Licencing Exam (NLE), therefore, is also an excellent idea that will keep such doctors away from the healthcare system.

Name withheld on request
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2021