The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC), under the PM&DC Act 2022, has issued a formal alert to postgraduate aspirants, universities, and Degree Awarding Institutions (DAIs) across Pakistan.
What is happening?
Many universities and DAIs are currently offering and awarding postgraduate degrees and diplomas, including MD, MS, MDS, FCPS, PhD, MCPS, M.Phil., M.Sc., MPH, and various Diplomas, without obtaining mandatory PM&DC recognition under Section 25 of the PM&DC Act 2022. Any qualification obtained outside this framework cannot be registered with PM&DC, regardless of HEC approval.
What does the law say?
Section 34 prohibits the establishment or operation of any institution for medical or dental training without prior recognition by the PM&DC. Section 35(1) prescribes penalties including rigorous imprisonment of one to five years, a fine of ten to twenty million rupees, or both — along with closure of the institution.
Who is affected?
MBBS and BDS doctors enrolled in unrecognized postgraduate programs after 16 January 2023 will not have their degrees or diplomas registered by PM&DC.
What should you do?
Before enrolling in any postgraduate program, verify its recognition status on the official PM&DC website at https://pmdc.pk/. HEC approval alone is not sufficient; PM&DC recognition is a separate and mandatory requirement.
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