Islamabad : July 3, 2024: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has permitted medical/dental students from Gaza to complete their studies in Pakistan.
This Council decision enables Gaza students to continue their medical education in Pakistan on humanitarian grounds, ensuring that their studies are not interrupted due to the challenging circumstances in their home country.
The PM&DC Council in its recent meeting made this decision on the request of Pakistani High Commissioner in London to adjust the students of Gaza in Pakistan keeping in mind the current scenario so that opportunity could be provided to form a stable and resourceful environment for Gaza students to pursue their medical degrees and contribute to the healthcare sector in Gaza.
The Council although didn’t have any specific provision of clinical rotation of foreign students in Pakistan under the PM&DC law / regulations. However, on the request of the high commission the matter was placed before the Council. The High Commission proposed that the students will be coming in batches of 20-30, with an expected number of 100 students and upon completion of their clinical placement in Pakistan, these students will graduate from universities of Gaza for clinical rotations in Pakistani medical colleges and attached teaching hospitals in the public sector, as a special case.
A Committee is to be constituted headed by President PM&DC and council members, including the representatives of MOFA and NHSR&C to smoothly execute induction of these students into Pakistani medical education system in the corresponding years.
While talking to the President PM&DC he explained that it was the need of hour and the Council wanted to help in this hour of need. Gaza students will have the opportunity to learn in a well-equipped environment, which might be lacking in Gaza due to ongoing conflicts and resource constraints.
Acquiring medical education in Pakistan can provide Gaza medical students with numerous benefits that they can take back to their country, impacting their communities and the overall healthcare system in Gaza. Medical education in Pakistan can open up opportunities for international collaboration. Graduates can establish connections with global health organizations, attracting resources, expertise, and support for healthcare projects in Gaza.
Exposure to various medical specialties during their education in Pakistan allows students to pursue specific areas of interest. They will gain back specialized skills in fields such as cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, pediatrics, or surgery, addressing critical needs in Gaza’s healthcare system.
Graduates can serve as trainers and mentors for other healthcare professionals in Gaza by sharing their knowledge and skills, they can help raise the overall standard of medical practice in their community. With exposure to research and innovative medical practices, these students can contribute to healthcare needs. This initiative will nurture a sense of solidarity and support among countries facing similar challenges. It shows Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the development and resilience of other nations.
Equipped with advanced medical training, these students can play a crucial role in community health education, raising awareness about preventive care, hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention and can better respond to healthcare crises, such as conflicts or natural disasters. Their skills can be crucial in providing emergency care and managing public health challenges.
Overall, the medical education acquired in Pakistan can empower Gaza students to make significant contributions to their country’s healthcare system, inline with the high education standards of PM&DC.
He added that by offering educational opportunities to Gaza students, PM&DC and Pakistan demonstrate their commitment to humanitarian aid and support for regions affected by conflict and instability. Due to the ongoing conflict many students are facing disruptions in their education. By providing them with the opportunity to study in Pakistan, PMDC helps them achieve their education.
The impact of the decision will allow Gaza students to study in Pakistan to promote educational exchange and collaboration between the two regions and will help strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Palestine. Providing these opportunities to Gaza students will also open doors for their personal and professional growth. It will empower them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.