Pakistan eases pathway for foreign medical graduates in landmark policy shift
ISLAMABAD: In a move hailed as a breakthrough for of foreign medical graduates, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has agreed major policy relaxations, allowing students from universities accredited by World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)-recognized agencies to sit for the upcoming National Registration Examination (NRE).
The decision was confirmed during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, where PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj, Registrar, Deputy Registrar, and senior PMDC officials were present.
The policy shift was facilitated by Dr. Muhammad Imran Nazir, CEO of Educational Advisor, who presented the long-standing concerns of foreign medical students. According to details:
- Students from WFME-accredited but non-listed universities will now be allowed to appear in NRE exams. Successful candidates will be eligible for house jobs in Pakistan.
- Graduates from universities already recognized by PMDC will be granted provisional RMP status and permitted to begin their house jobs immediately upon graduation.
The decision marks a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s policy towards foreign medical graduates, ending years of uncertainty for students who invested heavily in overseas education.
Dr. Nazir expressed gratitude to Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal for his leadership, as well as to Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, and Engineer Amir Muqam, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan along with States and Frontier Regions, for their unwavering support and commitment to safeguarding the future of foreign medical graduates.
The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Government of Kyrgyzstan and the Pakistani Embassy in Bishkek, was also praised for its proactive measures to monitor institutions and suspend illegally operating universities, ensuring that students receive internationally benchmarked education.
“This is not just a relief, it is a lifeline for thousands of foreign graduates whose futures were at stake,” remarked Dr. Nazir. “No student’s hard work or dream should ever go in vain.”
Stay informed. Stay ahead.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW Dental News Pakistan WhatsApp Channel for trusted healthcare updates, expert insights, clinical research, policy news, and dental breakthroughs—delivered directly to you.