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The federal government has made it mandatory for Pakistani medical students planning to study abroad to register with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), as reported by national media.
According to a report by ARY News on Wednesday, under the new directive, students pursuing MBBS or BDS degrees in foreign institutions must complete the registration process through the PMDC’s official website. Without this registration, no student will be allowed to enroll in medical programs abroad.
This decision aims to safeguard Pakistani students studying overseas and ensure their admission to accredited foreign medical colleges. The move follows reports of several violent incidents involving Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan in 2024, highlighting the need for enhanced oversight and protection.
The mandatory registration will also help maintain quality education standards for students pursuing medical studies abroad. Currently, thousands of Pakistani students are enrolled in foreign medical institutions, particularly in China, Cuba, and Central Asia.
In related developments, the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination has called for transparency in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).
The committee, chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, proposed a unified, nationwide curriculum to address regional disparities and ensure fairness in medical education.
During the meeting, concerns were raised about out-of-syllabus questions in recent MDCAT exams, prompting recommendations for improved accuracy in question papers.
A revised answer key was previously issued to address student grievances regarding deleted questions. Further reforms, including a single curriculum, will be finalized after legal reviews and consultations with stakeholders.
