The Federation of Ghana Medical Students' Associations (FGMSA) has expressed concerns over the Medical and Dental Council's (MDC) implementation of a Common Registration Examination (CRE) for medical graduates. FGMSA, representing over 6,000 students, supports the objective of ensuring consistent national standards but questions the necessity of a separate examination. The MDC announced the CRE's commencement on April 18, 2026, setting out examination periods and eligibility requirements.
FGMSA wrote to the MDC seeking engagement on the policy, but the request was not granted. The federation agrees on the need for a trustworthy medical education system, acknowledging measures to harmonize final qualifying examinations. These measures include aligning exams with national standards, standardizing Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), and training examiners. However, FGMSA proposes these measures as the principal basis for quality assurance, rather than a separate examination.
The MDC's CRE framework has raised concerns about duplication of assessments already conducted by accredited medical schools. FGMSA questions what additional competency the CRE would establish if final qualifying examinations were nationally harmonized and supervised. The federation proposes common competency standards, standardized OSCE structures, and stronger MDC oversight. They also raised legal questions about the examination framework under the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013.
FGMSA expressed concerns about the process of implementing the policy, emphasizing that students should contribute to discussions. The examination may cause academic, financial, and psychological consequences, including possible delays in progression to housemanship. Under the MDC's framework, candidates have a maximum of five attempts within three years, with the first attempt required within one year.
The CRE's implementation may affect medical graduates' progression to housemanship. FGMSA's concerns focus on the potential consequences of the examination on students. The federation seeks clarification on the interaction and application of relevant provisions to the current CRE framework.
The MDC's decision has sparked debate on the necessity of a separate examination. FGMSA's proposals aim to ensure quality assurance in medical education. The federation's concerns will be crucial in shaping the future of medical education in Ghana.
The implementation of the CRE will have significant implications for medical graduates. FGMSA's engagement with the MDC will be essential in resolving the concerns surrounding the examination. The outcome will determine the future of medical education in Ghana.
Key points
- FGMSA questions the necessity of a separate Common Registration Examination for medical graduates.
- The MDC's CRE framework has raised concerns about duplication of assessments.
- FGMSA proposes common competency standards and stronger MDC oversight.
