The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced a new set of regulations for students planning to pursue medical education abroad. The updated policy introduces stricter eligibility criteria and registration requirements to ensure that foreign medical college admissions meet national standards before obtaining professional recognition in Pakistan.
New Academic and Admission Requirements Introduced
Under the revised regulations, students who complete FSc in Pakistan must secure at least 60 percent marks to qualify for admission to a foreign medical college. Additionally, they must obtain a minimum of 50 percent marks in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).
Furthermore, students applying through international examinations such as MCAT or UCAT must also achieve at least 50 percent marks. The PMDC has clarified that students may only enroll in medical institutions that appear on the council’s approved list of recognized medical colleges.
The council has also specified that the medical degree program must consist of five years of allopathic medicine. Moreover, the course must include a minimum of 6,200 study hours and require at least 80 percent attendance throughout the academic period.
Registration and Licensing Conditions Tightened for Foreign Medical College Admissions
In another major change, PMDC has made it mandatory for students to obtain an online registration certificate before securing admission to a foreign medical institution. During their studies, students must maintain records of their study visas and travel history for verification purposes.
Additionally, students must complete a language course related to the country where they intend to study before enrollment. The council has also made the National Registration Examination compulsory for foreign medical graduates seeking recognition in Pakistan.
According to the new rules, graduates who fail to meet these requirements will not qualify for the National Registration Examination. Consequently, those who do not pass the examination will not receive a PMDC license to practice medicine in Pakistan.
