Islamabad, January 13, 2025: A delegation from Republic of Kyrgyzstan, led by H.E. Kendirbaeva D.Sh, Minister of Science and Education visited the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) to discuss the promotion of medical education and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The Ambassador H.E. Avazbek Atakhanov of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Rectors, Heads of Kyrgyz universities and representatives from HEC were also part of the delegation. The meeting was held at the PM&DC office today on 13th January 2025.
The discussion revolved around the registration criteria for foreign medical graduates, admission standards for Pakistani students in foreign institutions, and accreditation protocols for foreign medical colleges.
Addressing during the meeting, Mr. Rizwan Taj emphasized the significant progress Pakistan has made in the medical field. He noted that the country currently has 186 medical and dental colleges, producing highly skilled healthcare professionals.
He further stated that over 365,000 doctors are registered with PMDC, playing a crucial role in meeting the healthcare needs of the nation. Pakistani graduates a respected across the globe.
Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj explained that only graduates from PM&DC-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 PM&DC-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. Rizwan Taj explained that the PM&DC maintains a list of recognized foreign institutions on its official website. This list is provisional and subject to periodic review.
He shared that PM&DC 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 PM&DC criteria.
Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj 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.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to explore avenues for joint capacity-building measures to further enhance the quality of medical education in both nations.
