Pakistan Proposes Reforms to Medical Admission Testing

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has praised the federal government's clarification on the Canada Health Act, advocating for publicly funded access to all medically necessary primary care services, emphasizing equitable healthcare for all Canadians amid a current shortage of primary care providers. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, Prime Minister's Health Coordinator Dr. Malik Mukhtar proposed abolishing the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), allowing medical universities to independently manage admissions and suggesting that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) focus solely on national licensing exams. This proposal follows widespread allegations of irregularities in the 2024 MDCAT, prompting discussions on decentralizing the admissions process to enhance transparency and fairness in medical education. The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Health has also called for reforms to address these irregularities, advocating for provincial autonomy in exam administration to streamline the process and prevent inconsistencies. The committee's recommendations include excluding supplementary students from this year's admissions to maintain fairness, with ongoing discussions about the MDCAT's structure and syllabus. Both discussions in Canada and Pakistan highlight the urgent need for reform in healthcare access and medical education systems.