ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical Council has postponed the Medical and Dental Colleges Admissions Test (MDCAT) in view of the flood situation in the country, announcement Minister for National Health Services and Regulations Abdul Qadir Patel at a news conference in Islamabad, Radio Pakistan reported.
He said electricity and internet services remained disconnected in various parts of the country, especially in Sindh and Balochistan, due to devastating floods. He said it left a large number of students deprived of getting themselves registered on the relevant portal for the test. He said now the students who could not apply for the test can register themselves through the requisite portal and provinces will conduct the MDCAT test under their domain. He said the portal will remain open for two weeks for such students.
Mr Patel said the minimum required percentage to apply for admission to MBBS and BDS had also been decreased. Now students with 55 per cent marks can apply for admission to MBBS and 45pc for BDS course. He said earlier this requirement was 65pc for MBBS and 60pc for BDS.
The minister said this policy can also be reviewed if a seat remains unfilled. He said around 16,000 Pakistani students were studying abroad draining out 50 billion rupees. He said we are committed to facilitate our children.
He said the council has also decided to review the National Licensing Examination for Pakistani graduates; however, this exam will continue for foreigners.
The minister said it was also decided to reinstate all the PMC employees whose services were terminated by the previous government when the PMDC was dissolved and replaced with the PMC.