A sudden policy change by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) has upended the careers of thousands of foreign medical graduates, sparking widespread protests and urgent appeals to the government for relief.
At the heart of the turmoil is a new rule that allows only graduates from PM&DC-recognized foreign universities to obtain provisional registration and begin mandatory house jobs in Pakistan. Those from unrecognized institutions must now pass the National Registration Examination (NRE) before practicing.
The decision has disproportionately affected graduates from China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan—many of whom enrolled years ago under previous regulations. The policy came to light when returning graduates found their online registration portals blocked, later discovering their applications had been rejected under the new framework.
Dr Rafey Sher, a graduate of the International University of Kyrgyzstan, said, “Students from a batch just six months before us got licences, but our applications were locked and later rejected under the new policy.” He added that the delays have cost him valuable house job opportunities that are now filled.
While the PM&DC insists that only about 700 students are affected, graduate representatives estimate the number exceeds 3,000. The council maintains that the policy aims to uphold patient safety and improve healthcare standards, while also doubling the fee for adding a foreign university to its recognized list—from $5,000 to $10,000.
Contradictions between official statements and implementation have deepened frustration. Despite PM&DC’s assurance that graduates from recognized universities are exempt from the NRE, many claim this is not reflected in practice. The confusion has led to protests, with graduates bringing their grievances to Parliament and meeting Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. Lawmakers from the PPP have also voiced support for the students.
Even graduates from local institutions are not spared. Dr Fatima Abid of Jinnah Sindh Medical University reported severe delays in obtaining registration due to administrative backlogs.
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Despite repeated media inquiries, the PM&DC has yet to clarify the inconsistencies or provide a timeline for resolving the crisis, leaving thousands of young doctors uncertain about their professional futures.