ISLAMABAD – The new policy from the incumbent government has created more challenges for Pakistani medical students to study abroad after new update regarding No Objection Certificate from Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
A major policy change apparently created hurdles for Pakistani medical students who will now need to get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the medical body to pursue medical and dental education in foreign countries.
Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination (NHSR&C) spokesperson shared new update that authorities are introducing to implement new checks to ensure Pakistani students attend only recognised educational institutions.
Under the new rule, no Pakistani student will be allowed to study medicine abroad without getting clearance nod from PMDC. The contentious move aims to address issue of many Pakistani students enrolling in foreign institutions that are not recognised by the respective host countries.
National Health Services official further revealed that more than three thousands Pakistani students go abroad to pursue medical education annually. It mentioned that around 18,000 Pakistani students are studying medicine and dentistry abroad.
The government official said $300 million is spent annually on education of medical students, with each family paying roughly $5,000 to $6,000 per year. The health ministry official said these students enrolled in foreign medical programs are attending substandard institutions. These foreign-qualified medical students fail to pass national licensing exam.
