Pakistani students intending to pursue medical or dental studies abroad are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC) has disclosed plans indicating that PMDC is contemplating the introduction of “additional checks” for Pakistani students, aimed at ensuring that they receive education from recognized universities. This decision is anticipated to take effect from the academic session of 2024.
An official from NHSRC has indicated that the objective behind these measures is to ensure that students are enrolled in reputable institutions. Currently, a significant portion, approximately 30%, of the students pursuing medical studies abroad are women. Authorities have expressed concerns that students obtaining medical education outside Pakistan do not contribute to the domestic healthcare system.
The most favored destinations for Pakistani students seeking medical education include China, various Central Asian countries, Afghanistan, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Iran. Among these, China stands out as the top choice for Pakistani medical students. Additionally, students also consider Eastern European countries such as Romania, as well as Malaysia and Bangladesh for their medical education endeavors.
Pakistan boasts a considerable number of medical colleges, totaling 185, with an enrollment of approximately 21,000 students annually. However, despite the availability of medical education within the country, many students opt to pursue their studies abroad. This trend raises concerns about the potential loss of skilled healthcare professionals who could otherwise contribute to the national healthcare system.
