A delegation from Republic of Kyrgyzstan, led by Minister of Science & Education Kendirbaeva D Sh visited the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to discuss the promotion of medical education and explore opportunities for collaboration. Ambassador AvazbekAtakhanov of the Kyrgyz Republic Rectors, Heads of Kyrgyz universities and representatives from HEC were also part of the delegation.
The meeting was held at the PMDC office and both the sides revolved to address various issues including the registration criteria for foreign medical graduates, admission standards for Pakistani students in foreign institutions, and accreditation protocols for foreign medical colleges.
President of the council, Dr Rizwan Taj while welcoming the delegation emphasized the significant progress Pakistan has made in the medical field.
He noted that Pakistan currently had 186 medical and dental colleges, producing highly skilled healthcare professionals. He further stated that over 365,000 doctors were registered with the PMDC, playing a crucial role in meeting the healthcare needs of the nation. Pakistani graduates a respected across the globe.
Prof. Dr. RizwanTaj explained that only graduates from PMDC-recognized foreign institutions are eligible for provisional registration and can appear for the National Registration Examination (NRE). Graduates who successfully pass NRE Steps I and II qualify for a full license to practice medicine or dentistry in Pakistan. He further emphasized the admission criteria for Pakistani students seeking enrollment in foreign medical institutions. Students must be admitted to a PMDC-recognized foreign institution and the candidates must check the list and fulfill the criteria available on the website before proceeding abroad for their studies.
Regarding the accreditation of foreign medical institutions, Prof. Dr. RizwanTaj explained that the PMDC maintains a list of recognized foreign institutions on its official website. This list is provisional and subject to periodic review. He shared that PMDC has developed a new accreditation proforma, requiring foreign institutions to meet the standards set by the National Regulator, the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and the PMDC criteria.
Prof. Dr. RizwanTaj remarked, “Pakistan’s medical education system has earned global recognition for its high standards. Collaborating with Kyrgyzstan provides an excellent opportunity for mutual growth and the advancement of medical education in both nations.” However, no compromise will made on the quality of medical education within the country or outside for the Pakistani students.
The Kyrgyz Minister of Science and Education appreciated Pakistan’s contributions to the global medical fraternity and expressed keen interest in strengthening ties between the two countries in the field of medical education.
