PMDC Announces New Rule for Foreign Medical Graduates: Provisional Registration Made Mandatory

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced a major new rule for foreign medical graduates, making provisional registration compulsory before starting a house job in Pakistan. This decision directly affects thousands of Pakistani students who complete their medical education from foreign universities and plan to practice medicine in Pakistan.

The new policy aims to improve patient safety, medical standards, and regulatory control across public and private hospitals. PMDC has also issued clear instructions to medical colleges and hospitals to stop house jobs immediately if provisional registration is not completed.

This article explains the new PMDC rule, who it applies to, why it was introduced, how foreign graduates can comply, and what happens if the rule is ignored—all in simple, easy-to-understand English.

What Is PMDC?

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is the official regulatory authority responsible for:

• Registration of doctors and dentists
• Recognition of medical and dental institutions
• Regulation of medical education standards
• Licensing medical practitioners in Pakistan

Any doctor—local or foreign graduate—must be registered with PMDC before legally practicing medicine in Pakistan.

PMDC’s New Rule for Foreign Medical Graduates – Explained

According to the official PMDC notification issued on December 23, 2025, foreign medical graduates must obtain provisional registration before starting their house job in Pakistan.

Key Points of the New Rule

• Provisional registration is now mandatory
• House job cannot start without registration
• Ongoing house jobs without registration must be stopped immediately
• Rule applies to public and private hospitals
• Medical colleges must strictly comply with PMDC instructions

This marks a strict enforcement of regulations that were previously loosely followed in some institutions.

Who Is Considered a Foreign Medical Graduate?

A foreign medical graduate (FMG) is a student who:

• Completed MBBS or equivalent degree outside Pakistan
• Studied at a foreign medical university
• Wishes to complete a house job in Pakistan

This includes graduates from:

• China
• Russia
• Ukraine
• Central Asia
• Eastern Europe
• Middle East
• Other PMDC-recognized foreign institutions

Who Does This Rule Apply To?

The new PMDC directive applies to:

✅ Graduates from PMDC-Recognised Foreign Universities

• Must obtain provisional registration
• Can start house job only after approval

❌ Graduates from Non-Recognised Institutions

• Must pass the National Registration Examination (NRE)
• Only after passing NRE can they apply for provisional registration
• Without NRE, house job is not allowed

What Is Provisional Registration?

Provisional registration is a temporary license issued by PMDC that allows medical graduates to:

• Start their mandatory house job
• Practice medicine under supervision
• Gain clinical training legally

It is different from permanent registration, which is granted after successful completion of house job.

Why Has PMDC Made Provisional Registration Mandatory?

PMDC introduced this rule for several important reasons:

1. Patient Safety

Unregistered doctors pose serious risks to patients. Provisional registration ensures that only verified graduates enter hospitals.

2. Quality Control

PMDC wants to ensure that medical graduates meet minimum educational and clinical standards.

3. Uniform Medical Regulation

The rule creates a single, standardized system for all foreign graduates.

4. Prevention of Fake Degrees

Provisional registration helps PMDC verify degrees and stop illegal practice.

Instructions Issued to Hospitals and Medical Colleges

PMDC has issued strict instructions to:

• Public medical colleges
• Private medical colleges
• Teaching hospitals
• House job supervisors

Official Directives

• Do not allow house job without provisional registration
• Stop all ongoing house jobs lacking registration
• Verify PMDC documents before appointment
• Report violations to PMDC

Institutions that violate the rule may face disciplinary action.

What Happens If a House Job Is Done Without Registration?

PMDC has clearly stated that:

• House jobs without provisional registration are invalid
• Training period will not be recognized
• Graduates may face delays in permanent registration
• Hospitals may be penalized

This means months of hard work could be wasted if rules are ignored.

National Registration Examination (NRE) – Explained

What Is NRE?

The National Registration Examination (NRE) is a licensing exam required for graduates from non-recognized foreign institutions.

Why Is NRE Important?

• Tests medical knowledge and clinical skills
• Ensures graduates meet Pakistani medical standards
• Acts as a screening mechanism

Without Passing NRE

• Provisional registration is not issued
• House job is not allowed
• Medical practice is illegal

Step-by-Step: How Foreign Medical Graduates Can Apply for Provisional Registration

Step 1: Verify University Recognition

Check whether your foreign university is recognized by PMDC.

Step 2: Clear NRE (If Required)

If your university is not recognized, pass the NRE exam.

Step 3: Apply Online on PMDC Portal

Submit:

• Academic documents
• Degree verification
• Passport/CNIC
• Required fee

Step 4: Receive Provisional Registration Certificate

Once approved, you can legally start your house job.

Impact of This Rule on Foreign Medical Graduates

Positive Impacts

• Improved credibility of doctors
• Clear legal pathway
• Better training environment
• Recognition of house job nationwide

Challenges

• Delays for unregistered graduates
• Extra exams for non-recognized universities
• Increased documentation

However, long-term benefits outweigh short-term inconvenience.

Reaction from Medical Community

Many senior doctors and institutions have welcomed the decision, saying it will:

• Improve healthcare quality
• Reduce malpractice
• Strengthen Pakistan’s medical system

Some students, however, have expressed concerns over processing delays and exam pressure.

What Should Students Do Right Now?

Foreign medical graduates should:

• Immediately check their registration status
• Avoid starting house job without approval
• Contact PMDC for clarification
• Keep documents ready

Ignoring the rule may cause serious career delays.

Conclusion

The PMDC’s decision to make provisional registration mandatory for foreign medical graduates is a landmark step toward improving medical standards in Pakistan. While it introduces stricter compliance, it also protects patients, institutions, and graduates themselves.

Foreign medical graduates must now be extra careful and ensure they follow PMDC rules before starting their house job. Compliance today can save years of trouble in the future.

PMDC House Job Rules 2026: Foreign Graduates FAQs