This is, without a doubt, the single most common question. A prospective student’s family will typically have investigated the cost, the eligibility requirements, and the reputation of a degree in China, and the first thing they want to ask before making any commitments is whether they will be able to practice in Pakistan upon returning home.

Therefore, a detailed response to the question is appropriate, and perhaps long overdue. Let’s dive in.

PMDC and Why It Was Important to Discuss

If your research has led you to this part of the web, chances are you’ve encountered the name “PMC,” also known as the Pakistan Medical Commission, at one point, with a number of sources citing it as the relevant regulatory body for recognizing a foreign medical degree. In short, this is correct for a period of time.

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council was dissolved in 2019 and its functions transferred to a new entity called Pakistan Medical Commission or PMC. In 2022, the Islamabad High Court declared the dissolution of PMDC illegal and the Islamabad High Court re-established it.

As of the date of this article, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council is the regulatory body of medical and dental professionals in Pakistan, which maintains a register of doctors as well as regulates medical education in the country.

It is common, however, to encounter PMC, the Pakistan Medical Commission, in a number of references online, including articles and consultancy services. This is a result of the aforementioned changes that took place in 2019 and should give no cause for concern, other than to use the correct search terms in future inquiries.

Is a Degree From China Recognized by PMDC?

In general, and with some caveats, it can be. It is vital to understand that the university you pick has a direct influence on your ability to practice medicine in Pakistan upon graduation, and these influences can be positive or negative. Before anything else, make sure to enroll in a university that can be found in the World Directory of Medical Schools, otherwise known as WDOMS.

This is a world health organization-backed directory that lists all the medical schools that have been verified by the World Federation for Medical Education, and it is used as a reference by numerous regulatory bodies around the globe, including the PMDC.

If the university is not found in the directory, or if it has certain requirements that are not compatible with your intended study plan, your chances of registration in Pakistan may be severely hampered. This is why it is of paramount importance to research before investing in any institution, as a degree that is otherwise identical may prove to be incompatible with your intent to practice in Pakistan.

The MDCAT Requirement That People Seem To Forget

A common oversight among prospective students, and one that can prove to be incredibly costly, is the misunderstanding of the MDCAT requirement. A number of Pakistani students who have decided to pursue an MBBS in China have found themselves unable to practice in Pakistan upon returning home.

This is due to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s requirement of an MDCAT score of at least 50 percent for any student wishing to pursue an MBBS outside of Pakistan, including China. This rule is in place to ensure a minimum standard of education, even for those students who opt to receive their education abroad.

The importance of this exam for students cannot be emphasized enough, especially if they plan on practicing in Pakistan in the future, because not only is this exam a requirement for graduation, but it is also mandatory before anyone who graduated from an MBBS outside of Pakistan can take the Pakistan Medical Licensing Examination.

What Happens When You Graduate?

The final requirement for returning students is the Pakistan Medical Licensing Examination, otherwise known as the NLE. This examination functions as the final hurdle for anyone wishing to practice medicine in Pakistan, and it is especially necessary in the case of students who have graduated from a foreign medical school, such as in China.

The exam is not to be taken lightly considering the requirements that must be fulfilled in order to graduate. Students who have taken time to prepare during their last one or two years of study abroad tend to perform better than those who have procrastinated up until the last moment.

What Does It All Mean?

An MBBS in China can prove to be a viable option for anyone who wants to practice medicine in Pakistan, as long as a few requirements are met. First of all, the university should be found in the WDOMS directory. Secondly, the MDCAT requirement before graduation should also be taken seriously, as failure to do so will prevent any student from taking the final licensing examination to practice in Pakistan. Finally, the NLE should be prepared for in advance, if only to avoid any undue stress.

This does not mean that an MBBS in China cannot be a viable option, simply that due care and planning are necessary before enrolling. Countless students have pursued this route and successfully practiced medicine in Pakistan, as well as elsewhere, and there is no reason why any other student shouldn’t do the same.

However, it is also important to remember that PMDC recognition does not come automatically, and a degree from China will require a number of additional steps before a graduate can practice in Pakistan.

A Final Note on Agencies

The fact that so many steps are required means that it is of vital importance to be extra wary of agencies, as some may not take the time to explain every step thoroughly. Consultancy services have a wide array of roles, with some only dealing with the process of securing admission, and leaving students to fend for themselves at the crucial step of the MDCAT exam. Others might not be up to date on the latest requirements, considering the number of recent changes to PMDC requirements, as discussed in this article. Therefore, before making any final decisions, it is important to ask agencies about their experience with MDCAT preparation, and whether they are able to point you in the right direction concerning the NLE. Any consultancy which has proved to be a helping hand to students willing to go for the medical field in Pakistan shall be highly appreciable.

While taking a final decision it is good to ask questions and get them answered as per your choice and requirement because each student has his/her own terms and conditions, and it is up to him/her to decide according to his/her own choice.