Zubair Qureshi
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) celebrated on Thursday the long-awaited accreditation by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) which has now enabled the country’s medical graduates to pursue postgraduate training and practise in other countries that require WFME recognition such as the United States (US), Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The momentous achievement serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to providing high-quality medical education and sets a benchmark for excellence in the field.
In this regard, a ceremony was organized by the PM&DC to celebrate the landmark achievement with Federal Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Prof AhsanIqbal as Chief Guest and President WFME Prof Dr Ricardo León-Bórquez as special guest of honour.
A number of senior and prominent medical professionals, Council members, Deans, vice chancellors of medical colleges and other medical stakeholders to acknowledge and honor the institution’s achievement. Secretary Ministry of National Health Services, Iftikhar Ali shallwani, Farzand Ali, DrMuhmud Aurangzeb, Prof Dr Muhammad ShoaibShafi, Surgeon General of Pakistan Lt Gen DrMohsin M Qureshi and former Caretaker Health Minister DrNadeem Jan were also present on the occasion and termed the global accreditation a big achievement.
Prof AhsanIqbal while congratulating the PM&DC over the historic occasion said it would not only set new standards for the medical professionals and graduates, the world accreditation will also lend more credibility to Pakistan’s medical education and research.
Pakistan is among the highest number of patients suffering from diabetes, cardiac and other diseases, blood pressure, etc, he said. This also casts a heavy burden on the economy of the country and blocks its course of progress and prosperity, he said. “Health is among the top priorities of the current government and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has earlier launched a zero hepatitis policy,” said the Minister.
He urged the medical universities and colleges to provide latest knowledge to the students so that at time of their passing out they may cope with the requirement of the top institutions/hospitals of the world and provide to their patients advanced medical assistance. President PM&DC, DrRizwanTaj in his welcome address attributed the accreditation by the World Federation for Medical Education to the relentless efforts and commitment of PM&DC in meeting the rigorous standards set by the world body. This recognition is a testament to PM&DC’s unwavering dedication to ensuring excellence and quality in medical education throughout Pakistan, he said.
The WFME accreditation is a significant milestone for Pakistani institutes, positioning it among the top institutions in the field of medical education, DrTaj said adding, this achievement not only boosts the institution’s reputation but also instills confidence in current and prospective students, faculty, and stakeholders. President WFME Dr Ricardo León-Bórquez also congratulated PM&DC and emphasized the importance of quality medical education, stating, “Accreditation by WFME signifies that medical schools should meet the highest international standards in medical education. It is a recognition of commitment to excellence and a contribution to the global medical community.”
The ceremony was attended by more than 150 stakeholders of the medical profession including Deans, Principals, and faculty of medical colleges. The atmosphere was one of joy and pride, with attendees expressing their excitement for the future of medical education. The plaques and certificates were distributed to the core team members for recognition to their tireless efforts for WFME accreditation
