The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is moving to reinstate the National Licensing Examination (NLE) for all MBBS and BDS graduates from local public and private institutions, in what is being seen as a key step to address declining standards in medical education.
PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj, speaking to the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, described the earlier decision to abolish the exam as unfortunate and misaligned with global practices. The licensing test is expected to be formally approved in the PMDC Council meeting scheduled for July 27.
“No graduate—local or foreign—will be allowed to practice medicine in Pakistan without first passing the NLE,” Dr. Taj stated.
Lawmakers raised alarm over the rising number of Pakistani students pursuing costly medical education overseas due to limited seats at home. Senator Mohmand pointed out the financial strain on families, as students pay up to Rs. 7.5 million annually abroad, only to return poorly trained.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal revealed that nearly $400 million in foreign exchange is lost annually, and most foreign-trained graduates fail the licensing test.
Concerns were also raised over unpaid house jobs and the presence of unregulated medical colleges, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting calls for stricter oversight.
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