THIS is with reference to the editorial ‘MDCAT delay’ (Sept 10). I have been following many Facebook groups related to medical and dental college admission test (MDCAT) for the last one year. The purpose of these groups is to exchange syllabus-related topics, difficult questions and their answers, and, above all, any news update related to MDCAT.

Unfortunately, the country is facing a flood calamity in the wake of torrential rains that have caused colossal devastation of infrastructure, crops and human lives. In such a situation, the Facebook groups are choked with messages of MDCAT aspirants eager to know if MDCAT will be held as scheduled, or it has been delayed or postponed/cancelled. The federal health minister recently announced that the medical entry tests were being put off and a new date would be announced after consultation with the provinces.

Nobody is sure if this was an official announcement after some cabinet-level discussion or a mere statement by the minister concerned still awaiting a final confirmation. The confusion is valid because such a happening is not rare in modern Pakistan. The prevailing confusion and apprehensions have been diverting the attention of MDCAT aspirants from their preparation.

In fact, they are increasing anxiety and depression among the aspirants who are already under intense pressure and fatigue owing to study and preparations for an entirely new kind of online test which was prepared by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC).

I am personally aware of the misery of the students as one of my close friends is preparing for this test and he is confused and depressed. It is time for politicians across the board to stop doing politics over such a sensitive matter in their fight for the ‘throne’.

The authorities concerned should clear this confusion on official websites and through proper announcements on mainstream media so that the aspirants may prepare for the entry test with peace of mind.

Mohammad Arham Shahid
Faisalabad

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2022