Pakistan’s high-level medical education committee has made it mandatory for students to pass the MDCAT exam before pursuing medical or dental education abroad. The committee also required students to register with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council before leaving the country. Moreover, officials said the new measures aim to strengthen medical education standards and protect students’ professional futures.
The committee meeting took place under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. During the session, members reviewed ongoing reforms and regulatory measures designed to improve the medical and dental education system in Pakistan. Furthermore, participants discussed ways to ensure transparency, quality, and accountability in educational institutions.
Committee members also examined inspection procedures for undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental programs. They stressed that authorities would not compromise on inspection standards under any circumstances. In addition, the committee adopted a zero-tolerance policy against negligence, irregularities, and violations of official rules and regulations within educational institutions.
Also Read: Maryam Nawaz vows zero tolerance on harassment
The meeting also focused on issues related to foreign medical graduates. The committee decided that all students planning to study medicine or dentistry abroad must first pass the MDCAT examination and complete registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. Consequently, officials said this step would help students avoid future problems related to degree recognition, licensing, or registration.
The committee further instructed students to confirm whether their chosen foreign medical institution appears on the approved list maintained by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. Additionally, the institution must either hold recognition from the World Federation for Medical Education or appear in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Officials also set strict academic requirements, including five years of education, 6,200 teaching hours, and at least 80 percent attendance.
Committee members also directed students studying in countries where English is not the medium of instruction to spend at least five months learning the local language before beginning medical education. Moreover, foreign graduates will need to pass the PMDC National Registration Examination before obtaining registration in Pakistan. In conclusion, the committee said these reforms would protect Pakistani medical students and ensure international standards in medical education.