PMC starts working for int’l recognition of NLE test
The Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) has started working to strengthen its technical relationship with leading international medical regulatory authorities to enhance the standard of Pakistan's National Licensing Exam (NLE).
According to the PMC spokesperson, the objective behind these efforts was to acquire a transfer of knowledge and technical expertise and international recognition of the NLE to provide further recognize the country's medical and dental graduates.
He said that the commission has made sincere steps to collaborate with international regulatory authorities and to ensure recognition of its standards in key countries where Pakistani doctors seek to undertake postgraduate training and gain work experience. He said that the PMC has formally initiated the application process for recognition by World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
He added the WFME recognition is essential for Pakistan to ensure that doctors from Pakistan are able to go and train and work internationally. The PMC will be closely liaising with WFME and other international organizations to ensure that all requirements for recognition are fully met prior to the actual assessment and inspection process of WFME, he added.
He said that the entire process of assessment including a physical visit by the WFME and inspection is expected to take 12 to 15 months, which is well within the time frame of 2024 when WFME recognition will be mandatory to enable Pakistani doctors and students to study or work abroad and specifically in compliance to the requirements of the authorities in the United States, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 17th, 2022.