PMDC makes MDCAT mandatory for students seeking medical education abroad

Medical degree requires 6,200 hours of study with 80% minimum attendance over five years

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Tuesday announced a new policy requiring students intending to pursue medical or dental education abroad to qualify for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) and obtain PMDC registration before leaving Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by the PMDC, the decision was taken during a high-level committee meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The meeting of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation of Medical and Dental Colleges and Postgraduate (PG) Qualifications reviewed ongoing reforms to strengthen medical and dental education in the country.

“The committee clearly resolved that all students intending to pursue medical or dental education abroad must mandatorily qualify for the MDCAT examination and obtain registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council before going abroad,” the statement said.

Read: PMDC registrar faces misconduct allegations

The committee stressed that there would be “no compromise on inspection standards and procedures”, reiterating a policy of “zero tolerance toward any negligence, irregularity, or lack of compliance in the accreditation process”.

A high-level committee headed by Dar is currently overseeing efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for medical and dental education in Pakistan. The sub-committee is focused on enhancing transparency, standardising accreditation mechanisms, and streamlining recognition and inspection processes for undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in line with international standards.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding inspection procedures for undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental programs. The committee appreciated ongoing efforts to ensure “smooth, transparent, and merit-based inspections” of institutions.

Members of the committee were briefed on reforms, updated procedures, and new mechanisms introduced to improve the quality and credibility of inspections. Participants also emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards in medical and dental education to safeguard the future of healthcare in Pakistan.

The committee further directed students to verify that the foreign institution they intend to join was included in the PMDC’s list of recognised institutions 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,” the statement added.

Under the new guidelines, the medical qualification must comprise at least 6,200 hours of education with a minimum attendance requirement of 80% over a period of five years.

The committee also advised that students enrolling in countries where the medium of instruction is not English must spend at least five months learning the local language before beginning their studies.

“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,” the statement said.

In addition, graduates returning from foreign institutions will be required to pass the National Registration Examination conducted by the PMDC in order to obtain registration in Pakistan.

The committee directed 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 travelling abroad.

“These measures have been 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,” the committee stated.