The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has instituted new requirements for students planning to study medicine or dentistry overseas. These students must now successfully pass the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) and obtain PMDC registration before leaving the country.
In a significant development, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level committee meeting focused on enhancing the regulatory framework for medical and dental education in Pakistan. The Sub-Committee on Accreditation of Medical and Dental Colleges and Postgraduate Qualifications convened to assess ongoing reforms and regulatory strategies aimed at strengthening the quality of medical education.
During the session, the committee resolved that students intending to study abroad must first qualify in the MDCAT examination and secure registration with PMDC. This step is essential to prevent future difficulties related to recognition, licensing, or registration of their qualifications upon return.
Moreover, the committee highlighted the importance of verifying that the foreign medical or dental institution is officially recognised by PMDC. The institution must be accredited by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) or listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools to ensure validity.
The medical program abroad should consist of a minimum of 6,200 hours of education with at least 80% attendance over a five-year period. Additionally, for countries where the instruction language is not English, students are advised to spend at least five months learning the local language before starting their courses to facilitate academic success and effective communication.
Upon completion of their foreign medical qualifications, students will be required to pass PMDC’s National Registration Examination to obtain official registration in Pakistan. The committee also instructed students to provide detailed contact information and residence addresses in their country of study prior to departure.
Furthermore, students must secure a multiple-entry visa valid for the entire duration of their studies before traveling abroad. These measures aim to protect the academic and professional interests of Pakistani medical students and ensure that graduates meet both national and international standards for medical practice.
