New PM&DC Rules: What Foreign Medical Graduates Must Know

New rules from the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) are causing confusion, affecting many Pakistani students who graduated from medical universities abroad. The changes affect how they obtain a license to begin their medical careers in Pakistan.

The main change pertains to the foreign universities that the PM&DC recognises, with the university’s accreditation now determining your next steps. If you have graduated from a recognised foreign university, you can apply directly for your provisional license. This license enables you to begin your required house job in Pakistan.

If your foreign university is not recognised, you must first pass the National Registration Examination (NRE). Passing this exam makes you eligible for the provisional license. This change mostly impacts students who studied in China, Russia, and Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Why Did the PM&DC Make These Changes?

The PM&DC formed a new council in 2023. This council wants to improve medical education in Pakistan. They say the new rules will “ensure patient safety” and “strengthen the national health system.” They have also raised the fee for universities to get on the recognised list.

The new rules created a messy situation for recent graduates. When they returned to Pakistan this summer, many could not access the online application system.

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Dr Rafey Sher is a graduate of a recognised university in Kyrgyzstan. He says, “First, they told us it was an IT problem. Then, they announced the new policy.” Even with a degree from a recognised university, he has been waiting for months for his license. This delay has caused him to miss out on house job opportunities.

There is disagreement about how many students are affected. The PM&DC says 700, but student representatives say the number is closer to 3,000.

The PM&DC has issued a press release, but graduates say the situation is not clear on the ground. Dr. Fatima Abid from Jinnah Sindh Medical University says delays are a real problem. She urges the PM&DC to provide clarity so students can start their careers.