The Punjab Health Department has decided to introduce a transparent and merit-based system for foreign medical graduates. The proposed system will cover house jobs and postgraduate training across the province. The move aims to make the selection process fair, consistent and transparent for eligible candidates.
To develop the new system, the department has formed a nine-member committee. The committee includes vice-chancellors of medical universities in Punjab and principals of medical colleges. It will review existing procedures and recommend improvements to the current induction process.
The committee will focus on ensuring merit, transparency and uniformity in candidate selection. It will also examine how medical qualifications, professional registration and licences are verified. Officials want to ensure that foreign medical graduates meet the required eligibility criteria before receiving training placements.
The department has directed the committee to submit its recommendations within 10 days. The proposals are expected to address weaknesses in the current system and establish a more organised process for applications and placements.
Committee to Review Existing Training Procedures
The nine-member committee will assess the procedures currently used for house jobs and postgraduate training. It will identify administrative and legal gaps that may affect the induction process. The review will also consider ways to improve accountability and consistency in candidate selection.
Another key responsibility will be examining the verification of degrees and professional documents. The committee will assess requirements related to medical registration, licences and eligibility. This review aims to ensure that candidates are assessed according to clearly defined standards.
The committee will also propose a centralised system for applications and document verification. The proposed framework will include merit assessment and placement procedures. A centralised process could help establish consistent rules for foreign medical graduates applying for training opportunities.
Move Follows Legal Dispute Over Afghan Medical Students
The development comes amid a separate legal dispute involving Afghan students enrolled in medical and dental colleges across Pakistan. In September, the Lahore High Court suspended the implementation of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council notifications concerning the expulsion of Afghan students.
Justice Khalid Ishaq heard a petition filed by 30 Afghan students, including Syed Mobeen Ulfati. The students challenged notifications issued on July 31 and September 1. The court issued notices to the federal government, PMDC and other respondents, seeking their replies by September 18.
During the hearing, a PMDC lawyer stated that the visas of students facing expulsion were no longer valid. Justice Ishaq questioned how the students had secured admission if their visas were invalid.
The petitioners argued that the notifications ordering their expulsion were unlawful. They asked the court to declare the decisions void. The court’s intervention temporarily halted the implementation of the challenged notifications.
Recommendations Expected Within 10 Days
Earlier, the PMDC had restricted the admission, placement and transfer of Afghan nationals to medical and dental colleges nationwide. The restrictions were to remain in place until further orders.
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Meanwhile, the Punjab Health Department’s committee will focus on developing a structured process for foreign medical graduates. Its recommendations are expected within 10 days. The proposed changes could shape how house jobs and postgraduate training placements are handled across Punjab.
