ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s medical regulatory authority has proposed a major expansion in postgraduate medical training positions in an effort to reduce the growing number of doctors leaving the country for opportunities abroad.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has recommended that provincial governments significantly increase the number of postgraduate residency seats across the country. The council also urged authorities to upgrade public hospitals into accredited training centers.
According to official details, the recommendation follows a review meeting held on February 10, 2026, where the council assessed the country’s current capacity for postgraduate medical education. The findings highlighted a widening gap between the number of medical graduates and available training opportunities.
Over the past two decades, Pakistan has seen substantial growth in undergraduate medical education, leading to a sharp rise in the number of graduates. However, postgraduate training positions have not increased at the same pace, creating intense competition for limited residency slots—particularly in public sector hospitals.
The PMDC noted that the core issue is not an oversupply of doctors but a shortage of structured training and employment opportunities. This imbalance has become a key factor driving skilled doctors to seek better training and career prospects overseas.
PMDC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj stated that the council unanimously recommended a phased and financially responsible increase in training positions, potentially doubling them where feasible. He emphasized aligning the number of seats with the annual output of medical graduates and the healthcare needs of each province.
He further suggested that District Headquarters (DHQ) and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospitals be upgraded to meet PMDC standards and be recognized as accredited postgraduate training institutions.
Dr. Taj added that a transparent, merit-based career progression system should be linked with postgraduate training to retain skilled professionals within the public healthcare system. Expanding training capacity, he said, would not only provide more opportunities for young doctors but also help address the shortage of qualified faculty in medical institutions.
