PMDC’s New Policy Creates Uncertainty for Foreign Medical Graduates
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has introduced a new policy that has left thousands of foreign medical graduates (FMGs) across Pakistan in a state of confusion and frustration. The change, meant to tighten eligibility for provisional registration, has caused delays and blocked access for many young doctors who completed their education abroad.
PMDC Restricts Eligibility to Recognised Foreign Universities
According to the new regulations, only graduates from foreign medical universities officially recognised by the PMDC are now eligible to apply for provisional registration and house jobs in Pakistan. Those who studied at non-recognised institutions must first clear the National Registration Examination (NRE) before obtaining their license. This change has particularly affected Pakistani students returning from countries such as China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan — all popular destinations for affordable medical education.
Thousands of Graduates Affected by Sudden Policy Shift
Many graduates found their online registration portals blocked earlier this year. Initially, PMDC officials described it as a technical glitch, but two months later, the policy officially changed — leaving hundreds of applicants unable to complete their submissions. The timing of the decision caused massive disruption, as many graduates had already completed documentation and were awaiting provisional licenses.
Students from Recognised Batches Feel Discriminated Against
The sudden cutoff between batches has frustrated many students. Dr. Rafey Sher, a graduate of the International University of Kyrgyzstan, expressed his disappointment: “Students from a batch just six months before us got licenses, but our applications were locked and later rejected under the new policy.” He added that this delay has already cost many graduates their house-job opportunities since hospital training slots are now filled.
PMDC Faces Criticism Over Unclear Implementation
Graduates and medical associations have accused the PMDC of poor communication and inconsistent policy rollout. While the council claims that only about 700 students are affected, representatives of foreign graduates estimate the real number is closer to 3,000. Many applicants have reported being unable to access the registration portal at all, further fueling confusion and anger among students.
PMDC Doubles University Recognition Fees
Adding to the controversy, the PMDC has also doubled the fee for foreign university recognition from $5,000 to $10,000. This steep increase has made the process even more restrictive for institutions seeking recognition, indirectly affecting future Pakistani students planning to study abroad. The PMDC defends the move by stating that the revision aims to “ensure patient safety and strengthen the healthcare system.” However, many students and lawmakers argue that the decision is unfair and financially burdensome.
Foreign Medical Graduates Protest and Seek Government Intervention
The backlash against PMDC’s new policy has grown rapidly. Affected graduates, including Dr. Sher and several others, have taken their concerns to parliament, where members of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal have been approached to intervene. Students are demanding a transparent review system, restoration of blocked applications, and a grace period for those who applied before the new policy took effect.
Local Graduates Also Suffering from PMDC Delays
The confusion has not been limited to foreign graduates. Local medical students from recognised institutions, such as Jinnah Sindh Medical University, have also reported long delays in obtaining provisional licenses and securing house-job placements. Dr. Fatima Abid, a local graduate, explained: “Delays are caused by procedural backlogs and slow inspection processes.” These setbacks have disrupted medical career timelines for both local and foreign graduates, leaving hospitals short-staffed and young doctors uncertain about their professional future.
Policy Confusion Damaging Careers and Trust
Medical graduates across Pakistan are urging the PMDC to restore transparency and streamline its registration system. The new policy has not only delayed career starts but also damaged confidence in the country’s healthcare regulatory structure. Students who invested years and significant financial resources in foreign education now face career stagnation. The uncertainty has also discouraged new students from pursuing medical studies abroad, fearing policy unpredictability upon their return.
Lawmakers Call for Clarity and Fair Implementation
Several parliamentarians and health sector representatives are now calling for an immediate review of PMDC’s recent decisions. They stress the need for a fair implementation timeline that doesn’t penalize students who began their studies before the policy change. The parliamentary health committee has reportedly received multiple petitions demanding that pending applications be processed under the old rules.
Impact on Pakistan’s Medical Workforce
Experts warn that the ongoing policy confusion could worsen Pakistan’s doctor shortage. Thousands of foreign-trained graduates waiting for registration could have been deployed in hospitals nationwide, especially in rural and under-resourced areas. Instead, the delays risk leaving key healthcare positions vacant. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has also urged the PMDC to balance regulation with practicality to avoid further harm to the medical profession.
Foreign Graduates from Kyrgyzstan and China Affected Most
Among the hardest hit are Pakistani graduates from Kyrgyzstan and China, two countries that attract large numbers of Pakistani students due to affordable tuition fees and English-medium instruction. Graduates from these regions say they were not informed in advance about the recognition issue and that their universities were previously listed by the PMDC. The sudden shift in policy, without clear transition guidelines, has left many stranded without valid licenses or job placements.
PMDC’s Stance on Quality Control
In defense of its decision, PMDC officials maintain that the new policy aims to uphold international medical education standards and protect patient safety. The council argues that several foreign institutions fail to meet Pakistan’s accreditation requirements. They emphasize that stricter regulation ensures that only qualified graduates enter the medical system. However, critics argue that the abrupt enforcement, lack of prior notice, and increased fees reflect poor planning rather than quality assurance.
Need for Transparent and Consistent Policy
Education experts and medical associations have emphasized the need for the PMDC to establish clear communication channels and transparent timelines for foreign medical graduate recognition. A well-defined process would help both universities abroad and Pakistani students plan their academic paths confidently. Without consistency, uncertainty will continue to plague new and returning medical professionals.
Graduates Await Clarity and Resolution
Until the PMDC provides a clear and consistent implementation plan, thousands of young doctors remain in limbo. Many are unable to start their mandatory house jobs or continue their professional training. The delay not only affects their careers but also undermines Pakistan’s healthcare delivery system. Graduates urge the PMDC to prioritize dialogue with affected students and swiftly resolve the crisis before it escalates further.
Conclusion: A Call for Fairness and Reform in PMDC Policies
The PMDC’s new policy has become one of the most contentious issues in Pakistan’s medical education system. While the council’s goal of improving quality standards is commendable, the lack of clarity, abrupt rollout, and financial burden have left thousands of medical graduates stranded. As protests rise and lawmakers step in, the medical community awaits a transparent, student-friendly resolution. Ensuring fair treatment and consistent regulations will not only restore trust but also safeguard the future of Pakistan’s next generation of doctors.
