Islamabad:The Sub-Committee on Accreditation of Medical and Dental Colleges and Postgraduate (PG) Qualifications met here on Tuesday to review ongoing reforms and regulatory measures to strengthen medical and dental education in Pakistan.
The committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is focused on enhancing transparency, standardising accreditation mechanisms for medical and dental colleges and streamlining the recognition process inspections for undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in line with international standards, according to officials.
The meeting held detailed discussion regarding the inspection processes of medical and dental colleges' undergraduate and postgraduate. The committee appreciated the ongoing efforts being undertaken to ensure smooth, transparent, and merit-based inspections of institutions. Members of the committee were briefed on the latest reforms, updated procedures, and mechanisms introduced to improve the quality and credibility of inspections conducted so far.
The committee emphasized that there should be no compromise on inspection standards and procedures, restating a policy of zero tolerance toward any negligence, irregularity, or lack of compliance in the accreditation process. The meeting participants stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of medical and dental education to safeguard the future of healthcare in Pakistan.
The meeting also discussed matters related to foreign graduates. 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 to pursue medical or dental education to avoid any future inconvenience regarding recognition, licensing, or registration.
The committee said that students must verify that the foreign medical institution they intend to join is included in the list of foreign recognized institutions available with PM&DC before proceeding with admission.
Furthermore, the institution must be accredited by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) or listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. 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 also 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. Also, students will be required to pass the National Registration Examination conducted by PMDC in order to obtain registration in Pakistan after completion of their foreign qualification.
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 proceeding abroad.
The committee said those 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.
