Pakistan Implements Stricter Regulations for Foreign Medical Graduates

Pakistan Implements Stricter Regulations for Foreign Medical Graduates

In a significant development, health authorities in Pakistan have taken decisive steps to address concerns surrounding the recognition of medical degrees obtained abroad. Federal Health Secretary Iftikhar Shallwani has disclosed vital information to the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), shedding light on an issue that could impact foreign medical graduates aspiring to practice in Pakistan.
Secretary Shallwani has underscored the potential limitations faced by graduates who received their medical training abroad, particularly if their alma maters lack recognition from the accreditation bodies of the countries where they studied within a specified timeframe. This revelation has raised alarms within the medical community, prompting authorities to take proactive measures to safeguard the integrity of the healthcare system.

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A considerable number of Pakistani students who pursued medical education overseas find themselves in a precarious position, as their degrees lack recognition from the accreditation bodies of the respective countries. To address this concern, health officials are imposing a deadline for these institutions to obtain accreditation from their host countries. Inability to comply with this time constraint will bring about the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) refusing to acknowledge their medical degrees, effectively barring them from practicing medicine in Pakistan.
The announcement has sparked discussions and raised questions regarding the implications for foreign medical graduates and the healthcare sector at large. Secretary Shallwani’s efforts to engage with WFME President Ricardo León-Bórquez signify a collaborative approach to resolving this issue. President León-Bórquez has pledged full support to the PMDC in navigating through these challenges, emphasizing the importance of upholding standards in medical education and ensuring the competence of healthcare professionals.
As the deadline looms, foreign medical graduates and educational institutions abroad are urged to expedite the accreditation process to mitigate potential disruptions to their careers. This development underscores the need for stringent regulations and accreditation standards to uphold the quality and credibility of medical education and practice in Pakistan.