Islamabad: (RightNow) The Senate’s subcommittee on health has recommended significant reforms in the medical admission system. It proposes holding the MDKAT exam twice a year and reducing its weightage from 50% to 30%.

The committee’s report suggests that students should get a second chance if they fail the MDKAT. Additionally, it considers negative marking and making exam results valid for three years.

The committee recommends establishing a grievance system for exam questions to reduce reliance on private academies. It also emphasizes standardizing the MDKAT for FSC, Cambridge, and O/A Levels students.

It is noteworthy that in 2024, 169,520 students took the MDKAT, with 16,648 passing. The total medical and dental seats in the country were approximately 22,300.

The committee suggests planning to increase medical college seats and enhance opportunities in underprivileged areas. Recommendations were also made to PMDC for improving transparency and accountability.