PMDC introduces stricter regulations for students seeking medical education abroad

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has introduced new regulations for Pakistani students seeking admission to foreign medical colleges, setting stricter academic, attendance and registration requirements for eligibility to practice medicine in Pakistan.

Under the new rules, students intending to pursue medical education abroad must have secured at least 60 percent marks in their FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent qualification in Pakistan. In addition, candidates must obtain a minimum of 50 percent marks in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).

The PMDC has also made it mandatory for students seeking admission to foreign medical institutions to score at least 50 percent marks in recognised international admission examinations, including MCAT and UCAT, where applicable.

According to the regulations, foreign medical colleges attended by Pakistani students must be included in the approved list maintained by the relevant authorities, including the Higher Education Commission's recognised institutions for foreign medical graduates.

The council has further stipulated that the medical degree programme must be a five-year course in allopathic medicine. Students must complete a minimum of 6,200 hours of study and maintain at least 80 percent attendance throughout their education.

A key requirement introduced by the PMDC is the mandatory acquisition of an online registration certificate from the council before securing admission to a foreign medical college. Students will also be required to provide study visa details and travel records as proof of their overseas education.

The new regulations make it compulsory for students to complete a language course of the host country before commencing studies at a foreign medical institution.

Furthermore, the National Registration Examination (NRE) has been declared mandatory for all foreign medical graduates seeking registration and licensing in Pakistan. The PMDC stated that graduates who fail to meet the prescribed conditions will not be eligible to appear in the NRE.

The council also clarified that foreign medical graduates who do not pass the National Registration Examination will not be granted a PMDC licence to practice medicine in Pakistan.

Reporter: Zahid Chaudhary