The Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) have set new standards for Pakistani students who wish to study overseas in order to address persistent complaints about the calibre of education received by foreign medical graduates.

The purpose of this effort is to facilitate their return to Pakistan and keep them from enrolling in colleges with inferior academic standards.

Commencing with the academic year 2025-2026, PMDC and the ministry will implement a new set of guidelines. The guidelines aim to streamline the procedure of incorporating foreign-trained experts into the healthcare system of Pakistan.

In addition to finishing F.Sc. Pre-Medical with at least 60 percent of the possible points, students must have a valid Multiple Entry Visa for the duration of their studies. Additionally, they will need to score at least 50% on the MDCAT, the entrance exam for medical and dental colleges.

Following a recent meeting, both organisations have united to develop a strategy that will maximise these students' educational opportunities while guaranteeing the efficient use of Pakistan's financial resources.

Related Article: Complete Guide to MDCAT 2024 Medical Admissions in Pakistan.

The PMDC will collaborate closely with Pakistani embassies to make sure overseas universities fulfil the requirements in order to assist in guiding students.

Pakistani students hoping to enroll in foreign medical and dentistry schools for the 2024–2025 academic year will have to fulfil certain prerequisites. For the length of their studies, they must possess a valid Multiple Entry Visa.

Additionally, they must have earned at least 60 percent of the possible points in their F.Sc. Pre-Medical, or at least 550 in each SAT-II topic, or 50 percent in the international MCAT/UCAT tests in biology, chemistry, and either mathematics or physics.

Students also need to score at least 50% on the MDCAT, which is given in Pakistan. The findings are valid for three years, a PMDC release states.

The PMDC's recognition of the foreign institution is crucial, particularly for enrolments made prior to the 2024-25 academic year.

The medical degree must come from a school recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education, and before beginning coursework, students need to get a PMDC Student Registration Certificate.

Morever, they must maintain an attendance rate of 80% and finish at least 6,200 hours of study over a five-year period. It is necessary for students studying in non-English-speaking nations to undergo six months of language instruction. Furthermore, after qualifying, passing the National Registration Examination (NRE) is necessary for complete PMDC registration.

Before leaving, students must give their host country's address and contact information. This strategy, according to the statement, is intended to support Pakistani students studying overseas in achieving the greatest academic standards and making sure they are ready to have a good impact on Pakistan's healthcare system when they return.