PMDC

PMDC stands for the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, the national regulatory body responsible for medical and dental education and licensure in Pakistan. Established in the mid-20th century, the council regulated the standards of medical and dental education, registered graduates, licensed practitioners to practice, and recognized and accredited medical and dental colleges. It maintained professional registers and issued certificates of licensure and, in some cases, specialty recognition. The PMDC operated under a statutory framework that defined its powers, governance, and procedures for examinations, professional conduct, and quality assurance.

The governance of the PMDC typically included representatives from the medical and dental professions, educationists, and government officials, with decision-making carried out through the council and its committees. Funding came from a combination of government support and fees collected from registration, licensure, and college accreditation activities. The council played a central role in overseeing entry into medical practice and setting minimum standards for medical education and professional behavior within Pakistan.

In the late 2010s and early 2020s, concerns about governance, transparency, and regulatory effectiveness led to reforms of Pakistan’s medical regulatory framework. In 2020, the Pakistan government established the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) to take over the regulatory functions previously handled by the PMDC, including licensure, accreditation, and standards enforcement. The transition aimed to streamline regulation, improve oversight, and address gaps in the medical education system. Transition arrangements included transferring records and responsibilities from the PMDC to the PMC, with ongoing alignment of graduates and practitioners to the new regulatory structure.

See also: Pakistan Medical Commission; medical regulation in Pakistan; medical education in Pakistan.