Bangladesh Medical University unveils 5,180-question clinical assessment bank

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) launched its Structured Clinical Assessment (SCA) question bank on Thursday. The new system introduces over 5,000 questions, setting a milestone for the university's assessment methods. Officials described the move as a key step in improving medical education standards.

The SCA bank contains 5,180 question-and-answer sets, prepared by 518 faculty members from various BMU departments. It is the first of its kind at the university, offering a structured way to evaluate students' knowledge, skills and behaviour in a single test.

At the inauguration ceremony, BMU vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Shahinul Alam handed the SCA documents to the controller of examinations, Professor Dr Md Zillur Rahman. The event was moderated by registrar Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam.

Professor Alam highlighted recent efforts to strengthen higher medical education. These include revamping residency programmes, improving faculty skills and tightening monitoring. He noted that such measures have already raised examination pass rates and overall education quality.

He also emphasised the university's goal of producing highly skilled doctors and educators. These professionals, he said, would contribute both nationally and internationally to the medical field.

The SCA system replaces traditional assessment methods with a continuous, structured approach. With 5,180 questions now available, BMU aims to enhance the training of future medical specialists. The initiative reflects broader reforms in the university's medical education programmes.