Syed Muhammad Yaseen
Islamabad – The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) has reaffirmed that all foreign medical graduates (FMGs) must clear the National Registration Examination (NRE) before being granted a full license to practice in Pakistan. The Council emphasized that this requirement is not new but has existed since the early 1990s, and is vital to patient safety, competency, and healthcare standards.
According to PM&DC, there are currently three categories of Pakistani students holding foreign medical degrees, mainly from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and other Central Asian countries. While some graduates began their studies under the old PMDC Ordinance 1962 or the PMC Act 2020, the PM&DC Act 2022, implemented in April 2023, clearly outlines the new registration framework.
Recognition of Foreign Medical Institutions
PMDC has launched a rigorous assessment process of foreign institutions where Pakistani students are enrolled. Only graduates from institutions officially recognized by PM&DC are eligible for provisional registration. However, full registration will only be granted after successfully passing the NRE. Graduates from unrecognized institutions will only receive provisional registration after qualifying the exam.
Furthermore, PM&DC clarified that only FMGs from ECFMG-accredited institutions are eligible to sit the NRE. This international benchmark aligns with global best practices, as countries like the US, UK, and Canada also require foreign-trained doctors to pass licensing exams (USMLE, PLAB, MCCQE, etc.) before practicing.
Addressing Concerns of FMGs
In response to claims circulating on social media, PMDC denied that 4,000–7,000 FMGs were awaiting registration. The actual pending cases stood at just over 700, with several candidates already requesting adjustment of their fees for the upcoming exam.
PM&DC announced that the next NRE examination is scheduled for November 2025, with the detailed schedule to be released soon.
Patient Safety Remains Top Priority
The Council highlighted that these measures are designed to safeguard patients, uphold medical education standards, and protect public interest. Licensing exams ensure that every doctor entering practice has the required clinical knowledge, skills, and judgment to provide safe and reliable healthcare.
A PMDC spokesperson stated:
“No compromise can be made on patient safety. Every doctor stepping into professional life carries the responsibility of human care. The NRE provides a transparent and standardized evaluation, ensuring only competent doctors are allowed to practice.”
