The medical degree requires 6,200 hours of study with a minimum attendance of 80% over five years
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Tuesday announced a new policy requiring students who wish to pursue medical or dental education abroad to qualify for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) and obtain PMDC registration before leaving Pakistan.
According to a statement issued by the PMDC, the decision was taken during a high-level committee meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The meeting of the Subcommittee on Accreditation of Medical and Dental Schools and Postgraduate Qualifications (PG) reviewed the ongoing reforms to strengthen medical and dental education in the country.
“The committee clearly resolved that all students who wish to pursue medical or dental education abroad must compulsorily qualify for the MDCAT examination and obtain registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council before traveling abroad,” the statement said.
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The committee emphasized that there would be “no compromise on inspection standards and procedures”, reiterating a policy of “zero tolerance towards any negligence, irregularity or lack of compliance in the accreditation process”.
A high-level committee headed by Dar is currently overseeing efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for medical and dental education in Pakistan. The subcommittee focuses on improving transparency, standardizing accreditation mechanisms, and streamlining the recognition and inspection processes of undergraduate and graduate degrees in accordance with international standards.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on inspection procedures for undergraduate and graduate medical and dental programs. The committee appreciated the ongoing efforts to ensure “smooth, transparent and merit-based inspections” of the institutions.
Committee members were informed about reforms, updated procedures and new mechanisms introduced to improve the quality and credibility of inspections. Participants also emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in medical and dental education to safeguard the future of healthcare in Pakistan.
The committee further directed the students to verify that the foreign institution they intend to join was included in the list of recognized institutions of the PMDC before proceeding with admission.
“The institution must be accredited by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) or appear in the World Directory of Medical Schools,” the statement added.
According to the new guidelines, the medical qualification must comprise at least 6,200 hours of education with a minimum attendance requirement of 80% over a period of five years.
The committee also recommended that students enrolling in countries where the medium of instruction is not English should spend at least five months learning the local language before beginning their studies.
“In countries where the medium of instruction is not English, students should spend at least five months learning the local language before beginning their medical studies to ensure effective communication and academic understanding,” the statement said.
Additionally, graduates returning from foreign institutions will have to pass the National Registration Examination conducted by the PMDC in order to obtain registration in Pakistan.
The committee directed the students to provide full details of their residence and contact numbers in the country of study before departure. Students were also advised to obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for the duration of their studies before traveling abroad.
“These measures have been introduced to safeguard the academic and professional future of Pakistani medical students and to ensure that graduates meet the national and international standards required for medical practice,” the committee stated.
