PMDC Unveils New Policy for Pakistani Students Seeking Medical Education Abroad

Stringent Criteria Set for Foreign Medical Admissions

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has introduced a comprehensive policy aimed at regulating the admission of Pakistani students to foreign medical and dental institutions. This new framework, set to take effect from the 2024-2025 academic session, establishes a series of mandatory requirements for aspiring medical professionals seeking undergraduate education overseas.

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Academic Prerequisites

Under the new guidelines, students must demonstrate a strong academic foundation before pursuing medical studies abroad. The PMDC has stipulated that candidates must have either:

• Achieved a minimum of 60% marks in FSc (Pre-Medical) for those educated within Pakistan
• Obtained a minimum score of 550 in each subject of SAT-II
• Secured at least 50% marks in foreign MCAT/UCAT examinations, specifically in Biology, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Physics

Additionally, the policy mandates that students must attain a 50% score in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) conducted in Pakistan. This requirement underscores the PMDC’s commitment to maintaining high standards, with a spokesperson stating:

“The MDCAT result shall be valid for three years, applicable for students who complete their intermediate education within Pakistan.”

Institutional Verification and Registration

To ensure the legitimacy of foreign medical institutions, the PMDC requires students to verify that their chosen institution is listed with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council in Islamabad. Furthermore, the policy emphasises the importance of proper accreditation:

“The qualification must be in allopathic medicine that has been awarded by an institution recognized by a regulatory body of the country concerned for full registration which in turn is accredited by the WFME or World Directory of Medical Schools.”

Students are also required to obtain a PMDC Student Registration Certificate prior to commencing their studies abroad, reinforcing the Council’s oversight of medical education pathways.

Curriculum and Language Requirements

The PMDC has set clear expectations regarding the structure and content of foreign medical programs. The policy states:

“The medical qualification must comprise at least 6,200 hours (with a minimum of 80% attendance) over 5 years.”

For students heading to countries where English is not the primary language of instruction, an additional requirement has been introduced:

“A minimum of 6 months must be spent to learn the local language.”

This provision aims to ensure that students can fully engage with their studies and future patients in non-English speaking countries.

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Post-Graduation Requirements

Upon completion of their foreign medical education, graduates will face one final hurdle before practicing in Pakistan. The policy stipulates:

“The student must pass the National Registration Examination of the PMDC to obtain full registration by the PMDC post qualification.”

This requirement aligns with global practices of ensuring that foreign-trained doctors meet national standards before entering the healthcare workforce.

Logistical Considerations

The PMDC has also outlined practical requirements for students studying abroad. These include providing details of their residence and contact numbers in the country of study, as well as securing a multiple-entry visa for the duration of their education.

As this policy takes effect, it represents a significant step in regulating and standardizing the process for Pakistani students pursuing medical education internationally. The PMDC’s approach aims to maintain high educational standards while facilitating opportunities for aspiring medical professionals to gain valuable international experience.