PMDC Declares Afghan Medical Graduates Ineligible for Registration in Pakistan
Pakistani students graduating from Afghan medical and dental institutions cannot appear in the National Registration Examination as the colleges are not recognised by the ECFMG, the council says.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has ruled that Pakistani citizens who obtain medical or dental degrees from institutions in Afghanistan will not be eligible to appear in the National Registration Examination (NRE), making them ineligible for PMDC registration and medical or dental practice in Pakistan.
NRE Eligibility Criteria
In a public notice, the council said all Pakistani nationals who complete their primary medical or dental education abroad must pass the NRE before they can obtain registration and practise in the country. However, eligibility for the examination is restricted to graduates of foreign institutions recognised by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and those meeting all other prescribed criteria.
PMDC stated that medical and dental institutions in Afghanistan are currently not included in the ECFMG’s recognised list. As a result, Pakistani graduates from these institutions do not qualify to sit the NRE and cannot obtain PMDC registration or licences to practise in Pakistan.
Advisory for Students
The council advised Pakistani students currently enrolled in Afghan medical and dental colleges, as well as those considering admission, to verify the recognition status of their institutions before pursuing their studies. It said the advisory was issued to help students avoid future registration and licensing issues.
PMDC also made it clear that no relaxation, waiver or special exemption will be granted from the prescribed eligibility criteria.
The council said the public notice was issued in the public interest to ensure students are fully informed about the regulatory requirements governing foreign medical qualifications before making academic decisions.
