LAHORE – The examination papers and other essential materials for the upcoming Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), scheduled to be held on Sunday, have been dispatched to 11 cities of Punjab under tight security on Friday.
The examination papers are sealed in steel trunks, escorted by district police and assistant commissioners. Senior faculty members and staff from the University of Health Sciences (UHS) also accompanied the transport.
Upon reaching their destinations, the examination papers will be securely stored in the safe rooms of district treasury offices.
The Vice-Chancellor of UHS, Prof. Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, personally oversaw the dispatch process and offered special prayers for the safety of candidates, parents, and staff, as well as the smooth conduct of the examination. In an additional precautionary measure, the university conducted charity animal sacrifices for protection against difficulties.
All special secretaries, additional secretaries, and deputy secretaries of the Health Department will monitor the MDCAT.
To ensure seamless coordination during the exam, a Command and Control Center has been established at UHS, with Prof. Rathore directly supervising the operations.
A help desk with designated officers has also been set up to maintain continuous communication with examination centers.
There is a strict prohibition on mobile phones for both candidates and staff inside the examination centers.
UHS has requested the suspension of mobile and internet services within a 500-meter radius around all centers.
On Saturday, training sessions for the invigilation staff will be held at the respective centers.
Senior faculty members and officials of UHS have been appointed as head couriers for the exam material, while vice-chancellors, pro-vice chancellors, and principals of medical universities will serve as regional in-charges.
Officers from the Specialized Healthcare Department and district commissioners will oversee the arrangements.
To prevent unauthorized access, Section 144 has been enforced at all examination centers.
The district administration and UHS have also arranged seating facilities for parents near the centers, with a significant police presence ensuring security.
Candidates will undergo thorough body searches before entering the exam halls.
In Lahore, the responsibility for cleanliness at the centers has been assigned to the Lahore Waste Management Company.
Ambulances, doctors, and paramedical staff will be on standby at all centers from 7 AM to deal with any emergencies.
Teaching hospitals and district headquarter hospitals have been placed on high alert, while personnel from the Special Branch, Civil Defense, and Fire Brigade will also be deployed at the centers.
Additionally, NADRA’s e-Sahulat counters will be set up to verify the identity of any suspicious candidates.
