In an attempt to rectify the deteriorating quality of medical education, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is reintroducing the National Licensing Examination (NLE) for all MBBS and BDS graduates from all public and private universities.

The previous decision to eliminate the exam was deemed unfortunate and not in accordance with international norms by PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj, who was speaking before the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services.

Formal approval of the licensing test is expected at the PMDC Council meeting on July 27.

Dr. Taj stated that unless they have passed the NLE, no graduate, whether domestic or foreign, will be allowed to practice medicine in Pakistan.

The growing number of Pakistani students seeking expensive medical education abroad as a result of a shortage of places at home alarmed lawmakers.

The financial burden on families is highlighted by Senator Mohmand, who said that students who spend up to Rs. 7.5 million a year studying overseas often return with inadequate training.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal claims that the majority of graduates with foreign training do not pass the licensing exam and that approximately $400 million worth of foreign currency is lost each year.

Stricter regulation was demanded in response to concerns about unpaid housework and the existence of unlicensed medical schools, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Senator Humayun Mohmand backed the action, pointing out that rather than prohibiting new medical schools, graduates should be screened based on their competency.

Concerned about the proliferation of private colleges, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Senator Atta-ur-Rehman mentioned a "ghost medical college" and several institutions that operate off of a single structure in Peshawar.

The committee requested that PMDC carry out a comprehensive audit of the academic standards and infrastructure in all medical and dental facilities.