Islamabad: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has issued new regulations for Pakistani students who want to pursue medical education in foreign countries. The new rules aim to ensure that students receive quality education and meet the standards required for medical practice in Pakistan.
Under the updated regulations, students must have at least 60% marks in FSc (Pre-Medical) or an equivalent qualification obtained in Pakistan before seeking admission to a foreign medical college.
In addition, students must secure at least 50% marks in the MDCAT examination conducted in Pakistan. Those applying to medical universities abroad must also achieve a minimum of 50% marks in the relevant entrance examinations, such as MCAT, UCAT, or any other admission test required by the destination country.
PMDC has made it mandatory for students to enroll only in medical institutions that are included in the council’s approved list of recognized foreign medical colleges. The medical degree must be a minimum five-year program in allopathic medicine.
The council has also introduced academic requirements for foreign medical graduates. Students must complete at least 6,200 hours of study and clinical training and maintain a minimum of 80% attendance throughout their medical education.
Another important requirement is that students must obtain an online registration certificate from PMDC before taking admission to a foreign medical college. During their studies, they will also be required to provide proof of their student visa status and travel records.
PMDC has further stated that students must complete a language course of the country where they plan to study medicine before enrollment, ensuring they can effectively communicate during their education and clinical training.
After graduation, all foreign medical graduates will be required to pass the National Registration Examination (NRE) before becoming eligible for registration and medical practice in Pakistan.
The council has warned that graduates who fail to meet any of the prescribed requirements will not be allowed to appear in the NRE. Furthermore, those who do not pass the examination will not receive a PMDC license to practice medicine in the country.
The new regulations are expected to improve the quality of foreign medical education for Pakistani students and ensure that graduates returning to Pakistan meet national healthcare standards.
