By 
Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) received accreditation from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). Being a historic achievement, this recognition underscores PM&DC’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of medical education within Pakistan. The term of accreditation is ten years.
This means that Pakistani graduates shall be able to pursue US residency training without any restrictions Achieving WFME recognition will enable medical graduates from Pakistan to undertake postgraduate training and practice in other countries. It’s a mark of international recognition and signifies that medical education programs in Pakistan now meet globally benchmarked standards for quality and excellence.
Accreditation is a proof that PM&DC’s medical education programs meet international standards of quality and excellence. The PM&DC team under the leadership of President Prof Dr. Rizwan Taj initiated the process of recognition of WFME immediately after the enactment of the PM&DC Act 2022 and obtaining WFME recognition became a priority for the Council during these days.
WFME is a global organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of medical education worldwide. Founded in 1972, WFME collaborates with national and regional accreditation authorities, medical schools, and other stakeholders to establish and promote international standards for medical education. Its primary role involves setting guidelines and standards for medical schools and institutions, accrediting medical education programs, and fostering collaboration among medical educators globally.
WFME plays a crucial role in ensuring that medical graduates receive education of a uniformly high standard, thus contributing to the overall quality of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes worldwide. Additionally, it serves as a platform for sharing best practices, conducting research, and advocating for continuous improvement in medical education, ultimately aiming to address the evolving needs and challenges of the healthcare landscape on a global scale.
In essence, the WFME plays a crucial role in setting the bar for excellence and ensuring consistency in medical education across the globe. Their core mission is to elevate the quality of medical education worldwide, advocating for the highest scientific and ethical standards in the field. Their work contributes significantly to advancing medical knowledge, fostering ethical practices, and ultimately, improving healthcare outcomes for all.
To meet the requirements of WFME accreditation, PM&DC formed a dedicated WFME Accreditation Team comprising of experts and medical professionals from all over the country. Numerous meetings were conducted to thoroughly deliberate and fulfill all necessary criteria for the WFME application. In addition, nationwide workshops were organized with the participation of around 124 colleges, to further facilitate the process.
The PM&DC engaged a panel of experts from various regions of the country to assist with the WFME accreditation process. Following an assessment of the PM&DC’s application, WFME has approved its eligibility for recognition. The next step involved was to coordinate with WFME to schedule a visit by the assessors from the international body. These assessors conducted a comprehensive site visit to Pakistan, inspecting the PM&DC and its entire regulatory systems. During the visit, the team evaluated the complete accreditation process of medical colleges overseen by the PM&DC. The entire process, including physical site assessments and inspections was timely completed and as a result PM&DC achieved this historic milestone.
With recognition by WFME, the PM&DC’s accreditation program will allow graduates of the colleges, licensed by the PM&DC, to pursue training and work opportunities in the United States and internationally without any restrictions.
It is worth mentioning that the Council diligently worked to meet mandatory requirements and attain established standards that align not only with WFME’s guidelines but also with international best practices in medical education. This endeavor was aimed to ensure continuous improvement and internationally recognized quality in medical education while ensuring global recognition of Pakistani medical education and doctors.
Prof Dr. Rizwan Taj, President PM&DC described this achievement as a significant milestone resulting from the relentless efforts of the PM&DC. “We are very excited to receive the accreditation from WFME, which is a testament to our continuous efforts to raise the standard of medical education in the country”, stated by the President PM&DC in his brief voice note on X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
He congratulated the entire nation on this historic achievement. He appreciated the contribution of PM&DC team who worked tirelessly to accomplish this goal. He marinated that this accreditation will give our medical graduates an opportunity to further their careers anywhere in the world. He acknowledged the hard work of medical colleges and hospitals like Shifa College of Medicine, Khyber Medical College Peshawar, University of Health Sciences Lahore, Aga Khan Medical College Karachi and Army Medical College Rawalpindi. He pledged to work closely with international partners and stakeholders to ensure compliance and continuous improvement of medical education in the country.
With this, all 185 Medical colleges in Pakistan shall be accredited with WFME. New medical colleges to be established in the next 10 years shall automatically become accredited with WFME. This accreditation will further improve standard and quality of medical education in Pakistan by aligning it with global best practices and standards. This is indeed a momentous occasion for medical education in the country.
Here we briefly discuss, how the medical students, graduates, professionals and healthcare system in Pakistan will be benefited from PM&DC accreditation by the World Federation for Medical Education:
Global recognition and standardization:
WFME accreditation signifies that the medical education provided by institutions under the umbrella of PM&DC meets international standards. This recognition shall enhance the reputation of Pakistani medical schools and the qualifications of their graduates on a global scale. WFME accreditation is an internationally recognized endorsement of the quality of medical education provided by institutions under the oversight of PM&DC. It signifies alignment with globally accepted standards in medical education, ensuring that graduates possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies to practice medicine effectively and ethically.
Enhanced credibility and trust:
Attaining WFME accreditation enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of Pakistani medical schools, their graduates and their programs. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence in medical education and assures stakeholders, including students, faculty, healthcare providers and the public of the quality and rigor of educational processes and outcomes.
This accreditation elevates the overall standing of Pakistan’s medical education system on the world stage. It fosters trust and confidence in the quality of Pakistani medical degrees, making them more competitive internationally. It signifies Pakistan’s commitment to providing high-quality medical education and cements its position as a responsible member of the global medical education community. This enhances the overall reputation of the country’s healthcare system and its medical professionals.
Quality assurance and continuous improvement:
WFME accreditation indicates that PM&DC is ensuring the quality of medical education in Pakistan. Meeting WFME standards implies a commitment to maintaining high-quality medical education. It involves comprehensive evaluations of various facets of medical education, including curriculum design, teaching methodologies, assessment practices, faculty qualifications, student support services, institutional resources/ facilities, and educational outcomes. By undergoing this rigorous assessment, PM&DC institutions commit to ongoing quality assurance and continuous improvement, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
The WFME accreditation is a testament to the quality of medical education provided in Pakistan. It assures international communities that graduates from PM&DC-accredited programs possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to practice medicine effectively. Since, the WFME accreditation process involves rigorous evaluation and adherence to international standards, it strengthens Pakistan’s internal quality assurance mechanisms for medical education, leading to continuous improvement and ensuring consistently high standards across all PMDC-accredited programs.
Competitive advantage and institutional strengthening:
For Pakistani medical schools, WFME accreditation confers a competitive advantage in the global education market. It distinguishes accredited institutions as leaders in medical education excellence, attracting high-caliber faculty, students, research collaborations and funding opportunities. Moreover, the accreditation process prompts institutions to address areas of weakness, invest in infrastructure and faculty development and implement best practices, thereby strengthening the overall educational ecosystem.
Alignment with national and global health priorities:
WFME accreditation aligns PM&DC-accredited programs with national and global health priorities, such as the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals related to health, the promotion of evidence-based healthcare practices, and the cultivation of a skilled healthcare workforce capable of addressing emerging global health challenges and disparities.
Global mobility and opportunities:
Accreditation by WFME enhances the international mobility and opportunities available to graduates of PM&DC-accredited programs. Graduates may find it easier to pursue further education, training, licensure, and employment opportunities abroad, as their credentials are more likely to be recognized and valued by regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and healthcare organizations worldwide.
With WFME accreditation, graduates from PMDC-accredited programs will find it easier to pursue further training, specialization, or occupational opportunities abroad without facing additional hurdles in degree recognition. This paves the way for a more globally mobile and competitive Pakistani medical workforce.
Improved healthcare standards:
By adhering to international standards, medical graduates from Pakistan are likely to be better equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality healthcare services across the globe. This accreditation could lead to an overall improvement in healthcare standards in the country.
Enhanced opportunities:
Medical graduates from institutions accredited by WFME may have increased opportunities for further education, training, and employment abroad. International recognition can open doors for Pakistani doctors to pursue advanced studies or practice medicine in the technologically advanced countries.
Investment and development:
Achieving WFME accreditation often requires significant investment in infrastructure, faculty development, and curriculum enhancement. This investment shall contribute to the overall development of medical education infrastructure and resources in Pakistan.
The accreditation can attract foreign investment in Pakistan’s medical education sector, leading to improved infrastructure, resources, and faculty development. It can also position Pakistan as an attractive destination for international medical students, bringing in valuable foreign exchange and enriching the educational environment.
Collaboration and knowledge exchange:
The WFME accreditation fosters international collaboration and exchange of knowledge between Pakistani medical institutions and their global counterparts. This can lead to advancements in medical education, research, and clinical practice, benefiting both Pakistani healthcare professionals and patients. The accreditation enhances the value and recognition of Pakistani medical degrees internationally, potentially opening doors to better career opportunities and higher earning potential for graduates.
Conclusion:
In summary, WFME accreditation of PM&DC heralds a transformative milestone for medical education in Pakistan, signifying a commitment to excellence, global best practices, and the advancement of healthcare quality and outcomes. This is a positive development for Pakistan’s medical education sector, indicating a commitment to quality and international standards that can benefit both students and the healthcare system as a whole.
Overall, the WFME accreditation of the PMDC is a landmark achievement that holds immense potential to benefit Pakistani medical graduates, the healthcare profession as a whole, and the country’s medical education system. It’s a stepping stone towards a more globally integrated and recognized medical education system in Pakistan, paving the way for a brighter future for both healthcare professionals and patients.
What do you think?