PMDC bars Palestinian students in Pakistan from house jobs, Postgraduate training and registration

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced its decision regarding Palestinian medical and dental students studying in Pakistan stating that they will only be allowed to undertake clinical training and will not be eligible for house jobs postgraduate training or registration.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced its decision regarding Palestinian medical and dental students studying in Pakistan stating that they will only be allowed to undertake clinical training and will not be eligible for house jobs postgraduate training or registration.

According to the PMDC, Palestinian students may continue to receive clinical training in Pakistan but the facility will not be considered a permanent policy or an entitlement. The council has also clarified that clinical training does not automatically create a pathway toward professional registration in the country.

The PMDC stated that there is no legal route for foreign graduates to obtain national registration without meeting the applicable regulatory requirements.

The decision follows a meeting held on July 14 during which requests seeking additional facilities for Palestinian students were rejected, according to the council.

Following the decision, the PMDC directed medical and dental institutions across Pakistan to strictly implement the policy concerning Palestinian students. Institutions have also been instructed not to make new promises commitments or assurances to Palestinian or other foreign students regarding house jobs, postgraduate training or registration.

The council has circulated a formal notice regarding Palestinian medical and dental students to medical and dental institutions throughout the country.

The latest policy creates a clear distinction between clinical training and professional opportunities after graduation. While Palestinian students can receive clinical training they will not be granted house jobs or postgraduate training under the stated policy. They will also not be registered as medical or dental practitioners through this arrangement.

The PMDC’s clarification is expected to affect Palestinian students who are pursuing medical and dental education in Pakistan and may have hoped to continue their professional training in the country after completing their degrees.

Medical and dental institutions have been asked to follow the council’s instructions and ensure that students are not given assurances that conflict with the official policy.

The PMDC has emphasized that the clinical training facility should not be interpreted as a permanent right or privilege. Institutions have therefore been directed to adhere strictly to the regulatory framework while dealing with Palestinian and other foreign medical and dental students.

The decision sets out the current limits on professional training and registration for Palestinian students in Pakistan and places responsibility on medical institutions to ensure compliance with PMDC regulations.