By Muhammad Umair Khan
ISLAMABAD, (Parliament Times) : The Pakistan Medical Commission strives to improve healthcare education through the advancement of quality medical and dental education in Pakistan. The healthcare regulator is setting benchmarks in line with global best practices to ensure quality healthcare for every citizen of our great nation. Following a vision of excellence in education, every local and foreign undergraduate will undergo a National Licensing Examination (NLE) before being issued a full license to practice in Pakistan. The criteria for the National Licensing Examination have been introduced to assess the graduate’s ability to utilize the acquired knowledge, and principles, and to demonstrate competency in clinical skills of required for patient care. NLE is a licensing examination principally to test the candidate’s ability to function as a safe practitioner. The NLE was the first computer-based examination conducted by PMC. The digital format of the examination is part of PMC’s vision to promote transparency and meritocracy while setting international benchmarks of quality, skills, and competence. The result of the Pakistani and Foreign graduates qualifying for the NLE is a fair indicator of the level of education and clinical training imparted in the colleges. It is the right of the patient to be treated well and accordingly by a seasoned professional practitioner doctor/dentist. PMC is dedicated to improve the medical/health care delivery standards so that doctors/dentists can serve the patients well in a more efficient and professional manner. From introducing computer-based testing for the first time in Pakistan for the NLE or updating medical and dental curricula as per international best practices, or through our comprehensive inspection and verification criterion with respect to clinical infrastructure conducive to medical and dental academia. PMC has taken it upon itself to create a healthcare delivery system that has the infrastructure, resources, and healthcare practitioners at par with global best practices to ensure every Pakistani citizen receives quality patient care. On behalf of the Pakistan Medical Commission; the sole medical and dental regulator in Pakistan. PMC will continue working towards the targets we have set to raise the standard of medical and dental education and licensing in Pakistan while continuing to discipline individuals and organizations who do not meet the benchmarks of excellence set by PMC. Students on the other hand have acknowledged the efforts of the Pakistan Medical Commission in regulating medical and dental reforms. Students followed by medical and dental educational institutions have appreciated the role of PMC in improving the healthcare service and delivery standards.
