MDCAT, PMDC Registration Made Compulsory for Students Seeking Medical Studies Abroad

Pakistan's PMDC mandates MDCAT qualification and registration before studying abroad to safeguard students' future.

A representational image of Pakistani medical students. – AFP/File

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has made it mandatory for students seeking to pursue medical or dental studies abroad to qualify for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) and obtain registration prior to departure, according to a statement issued by PMDC on Tuesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level committee overseeing the strengthening of the regulatory framework for medical and dental education in Pakistan. The meeting of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation of Medical and Dental Colleges and Postgraduate (PG) Qualifications was held to review ongoing reforms and regulatory measures to strengthen medical and dental education in the country.

During the meeting, the committee resolved that all students intending to pursue medical or dental education abroad must "mandatorily qualify for the MDCAT examination and obtain registration with the PMDC" before going abroad. This is aimed at avoiding any future inconvenience during recognition, licensing, or registration.

The committee emphasized that students must verify that the foreign medical institution they intend to join is included in the list of foreign recognized institutions available with PMDC before proceeding with admission. The institution must be accredited by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) or listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, it said.

According to the committee, the medical qualification must comprise at least 6,200 hours of education with a minimum of 80% attendance over a period of five years. The committee advised that in countries where the medium of instruction is not English, students must spend at least five months learning the local language before beginning their medical studies to ensure effective communication and academic understanding.

Following completion of their foreign qualification, students will be required to pass PMDC's National Registration Examination to obtain registration in Pakistan. The committee directed the students to provide complete details of their residence and contact numbers in the country of study before departure. Students were also advised to secure a multiple-entry visa valid for the duration of their studies prior to proceeding abroad.

The committee maintained that these measures are introduced to safeguard the academic and professional future of Pakistani medical students and to ensure that graduates meet the required national and international standards for medical practice.

These new requirements aim to enhance the quality and credibility of Pakistan's medical education system, ensuring that students not only have the necessary qualifications but also adhere to international standards.