The PMDC new policy 2025 has left thousands of Pakistani medical students abroad in shock. For years, young Pakistanis have gone to China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Eastern Europe to study medicine, with dreams of returning home to serve as doctors. But the latest PMDC notification has introduced new restrictions, putting their future careers at serious risk.
In this article, we will explain the PMDC new rules for foreign graduates, the impact on students, expert opinions, and what steps can be taken to protect the future of Pakistan’s healthcare system.
What Is the PMDC New Policy 2025?
On September 8, 2025, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) announced a new policy. According to the update, only those students who graduate from PMDC-recognized foreign medical universities will be eligible for:
- Provisional registration
- House jobs in Pakistan
- National Registration Exam (NRE)
If a student’s university is not on the PMDC recognition list, their degree will not be accepted in Pakistan, even if they have spent years studying and paid huge fees abroad.
Students can check official updates on the PMDC official website or by logging in through the PMDC login portal.
PMDC New Policy PDF and Notification
The PMDC new policy PDF and official notification have removed the earlier list of recognized foreign universities. This has caused massive confusion. Students who took admission based on the old list now fear that their degrees may be declared invalid.
This change mainly affects students studying in:
- China
- Russia
- Kyrgyzstan
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan
- Other European countries
Real Stories: Students in Shock
The new decision has hit students and parents emotionally and financially.
- Gul Nawaz, a second-year student in China, said:
“My parents invested everything in my education. I took admission in a PMDC-recognized college. But now, the list has been removed. What will happen to me?” - Kiran Jamal from Karachi, also studying in China, added:
“Without house jobs or provisional registration, we cannot practice in Pakistan. Our future is hanging in the air.”
ECFMG Requirement: Another Barrier
Another part of the new policy requires that foreign universities must be approved by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), a U.S.-based body.
But many Chinese and European universities are not on this list due to political and bureaucratic reasons. Students are questioning why their futures should depend on an American commission instead of a Pakistani authority.
Impact on Current Students Abroad
Students already enrolled in foreign universities that are not approved by PMDC will face major problems:
- They cannot sit in the NRE exam.
- They cannot get provisional registration.
- They cannot start house jobs in Pakistan.
This makes their degrees almost useless at home, forcing them either to migrate abroad permanently or abandon their medical careers.
Impact on Pakistan’s Healthcare System
Every year, 8,000–10,000 Pakistani students graduate from foreign universities and return to serve in local hospitals. They often work in rural and underserved areas.
If the new policy blocks these graduates, Pakistan’s already fragile health system will face a crisis.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there should be 1 doctor per 1,000 people.
- Pakistan’s ratio is already worse than this standard.
- Losing thousands of graduates will make the shortage even more critical.
PMDC Latest News About MDCAT 2025
The new policy is also linked with MDCAT 2025 changes. The PMDC latest news about MDCAT 2025 highlights:
- Stricter entry requirements for medical studies.
- Focus on improving quality and standards.
- Stronger control over admissions in local and foreign medical universities.
Students can stay updated by regularly checking the PMDC registration portal.
Expert Opinions: Quality vs. Fairness
Many experts agree that Pakistan needs strong policies to stop fake degrees and substandard colleges. But they also argue that changes should be gradual and fair.
- Dr. Salman Ahmed Sherwani, a senior professor, explained:
“Improving standards is important, but this should not destroy the future of current students. A planned transition is necessary.”
Experts warn that sudden decisions may create long-term damage to both students and Pakistan’s healthcare system.
What Do Students and Parents Demand?
Thousands of affected families are asking for:
- Grandfather Clause – Students already enrolled should not be punished.
- Alternative Pathways – Special exams, conditional registration, or extra training.
- Transparent Recognition – A fast and clear process for foreign universities to get PMDC approval.
They are not against reforms but demand justice and fairness.
What Should PMDC Do Now?
Experts suggest the following solutions:
- Exempt current students enrolled under the old rules.
- Re-publish a clear list of approved foreign universities.
- Develop a Pakistani-led inspection process instead of relying only on ECFMG.
- Communicate openly with students, parents, and universities about policy changes.
This will protect the future of students while also maintaining high standards in medical education.
PMDC Registration and Login Process
For students seeking clarity:
- Visit the PMDC official website.
- Use the PMDC login portal to check updates, notifications, and registration status.
- Download the PMDC new policy PDF for detailed rules.
Staying informed is the first step to planning ahead.
Conclusion
The PMDC new policy 2025 has created fear among thousands of Pakistani medical students abroad. While quality control in medical education is important, it must not come at the cost of destroying the futures of hardworking students and weakening Pakistan’s health system.
A balanced approach is urgently needed — one that upholds standards but also protects the dreams of families who invested everything for a better future. Pakistan cannot afford to lose its future doctors.
FAQs About PMDC New Policy 2025
Q1: Where can I find the PMDC new policy PDF?
You can download it from the PMDC official website under the notifications section.
Q2: What is the PMDC latest news about MDCAT 2025?
The latest updates include stricter admission rules, higher standards, and revised exam structures.
Q3: Can students already studying abroad continue under the new policy?
At present, their future is unclear. Students are demanding a grandfather clause for exemptions.
Q4: What is the PMDC registration process?
Students must register online via the PMDC login portal and follow official instructions.
Q5: What are the PMDC new rules for foreign graduates?
Only graduates from PMDC-recognized foreign universities will be eligible for provisional registration, house jobs, and the NRE exam.
