PMDC Restores Licensing Exam for MBBS and BDS Graduates.

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is attempting to reintroduce the National Licensing Examination (NLE) for all MBBS and BDS graduates from local public and private universities, which is viewed as a critical step in addressing falling medical education standards.
Speaking to the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj criticized the previous decision to remove the test as regrettable and out of step with worldwide best practices. The license test is likely to be formally authorized during the PMDC Council meeting on July 27.

“No graduate—local or foreign—will be allowed to practice medicine in Pakistan without first passing the NLE,” Dr. Taj told reporters.

Lawmakers expressed concern over the growing number of Pakistani students seeking expensive medical education abroad due to a lack of available seats at home. Senator Mohmand highlighted the financial hardship on families, stating that students pay up to Rs. 7.5 million per year to study overseas, only to return inadequately qualified.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal claimed that almost $400 million in foreign cash is squandered yearly, and the majority of foreign-trained graduates fail the licensure exam.

Concerns were also expressed about unpaid housework and the existence of uncontrolled medical institutions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting calls for tighter regulations.