Foreign Medical Graduates Demand Transparency and Timelines in PM&DC Recognition Process
Islamabad: Hundreds of Pakistani medical graduates from foreign universities have demanded urgent clarification from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) over what they describe as an opaque and indefinite recognition process for foreign medical and dental institutions. The issue erupted after the PM&DC’s public notice on 22 October 2025, which stated that recognition of overseas universities was “under process” — without publishing a list, clear criteria, or a completion timeline.
Dr. Rafey Sher, a representative of the Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) community, warned that the ambiguity was putting the careers of thousands of qualified doctors at risk. “PM&DC has admitted that the process is ongoing, yet students who have already graduated or are nearing completion remain in limbo,” he said. “The Council must urgently clarify which universities are recognized and how long this will take.”
The PM&DC notice also indicated that provisional registration (PRMP) would only be issued to graduates of recognized universities. However, due to the lack of an updated recognition list, many FMGs are unable to secure registration or appear in the National Registration Examination (NRE) — a prerequisite for practicing medicine in Pakistan.
Dr. Rafey criticized what he called “policy inconsistency and administrative inertia,” saying that decisions and notices issued without clear transitions were jeopardizing the futures of Pakistani medical students who have completed their studies abroad. “Policies that change mid-way, without proper transition or communication, are playing with the futures of hundreds of dedicated Pakistani medical students,” he said.
FMGs have urged the PM&DC to publish a transparent, accessible, and regularly updated list of recognized institutions and to set a fixed timeline for completion of the ongoing verification process. They also called for open communication channels with stakeholders to ensure that policy changes are implemented fairly and with adequate notice.
The foreign graduate community reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high professional and ethical standards, while urging the PM&DC to ensure policy stability, fairness, and transparency so that qualified doctors can contribute to Pakistan’s healthcare system without bureaucratic obstacles.
News Link: Accelerate FMG Recognition for Pakistan Graduates – Peak Point
