ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) on Saturday cancelled the National Licensing Examination (NLE) Step 2 (Medical) examination held at Multan Test Centre on discrepancies found.
The PMC in a statement said that Medical and Dental Council on the recommendation of Examination Department of National Medical Authority has decided to invalidate the NLE Step 2 (Medical) examination held at Multan Centre from October 29 to 31 2021.
The council directed that the NLE Step 2 (Medical) for the 149 students who appeared at Multan Centre be re-held within four weeks.
The students will not be charged for the examination to be re-held. The council also directed to conduct an immediate inquiry on the process of examination at the Multan Centre and for responsibility to be determined and strict action taken.
The decision to invalidate the NLE Step 2 (Medical) examination was based on discrepancies found in the marking of the clinical practical exam.
Review and assessment of each exam conducted is an integral part of all PMC examination systems to ensure that results of all exams are fair and represent a true assessment of the students and is strictly on merit.
On considering the results of NLE Step 2 (Medical) held at the Multan Centre null and void, Dr Arshad Taqi, President Medical and Dental Council said, “The NLE Step 2 (Medical) examination assesses the clinical skills of graduates and determines their ability to work as an independent practitioner. It is our moral duty to only allow a safe doctor to become part of the healthcare delivery system of Pakistan.
A post-exam review is held before the final result as per PMC policy and discrepancies were found in the Multan NLE Step 2 (Medical) Centre thus stands cancelled to be re-held at a later date. The foundations of our reforms rest on our commitment to transparency, meritocracy and integrity. This blatant disregard for patient safety will not be overlooked by PMC and the results of the inquiry will be shared with the public.”
