PM&DC Holds Inaugural Meeting of National Medical & Dental Academic Board

By Nasima khan
Islamabad, July 26, 2023: The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) convened the first meeting of the newly established National Medical & Dental Academic Board (NMDAB) on July 26, 2023, at its headquarters in Islamabad. The 21-member board, appointed by the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) on July 14, 2023, is tasked with maintaining and enhancing the quality of medical and dental education in undergraduate and post-graduate institutions across Pakistan.
Chaired by Prof. Dr. Zahid Aman, Dean of Khyber Girls Medical College Peshawar, the meeting saw the participation of esteemed professionals from various provinces, including Chairman HEC, President CPSP, and other renowned figures in the medical and dental fields.
The primary objectives of the NMDAB are to formulate and implement undergraduate accreditation standards for medical and dental institutions, develop academic standards for foreign institutions, establish criteria for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and oversee examinations such as MDCAT, National Registration Examination (NRE), and National Equivalence Board Examination.
One of the significant achievements of the meeting was the unanimous approval of the National Medical and Dental curriculum for the academic year 2023 to 2024, which will be subject to review. Additionally, committees were formed to review various regulations and matters under Section 13 of the PM&DC Act 2022.
Notably, PM&DC’s efforts, led by Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, President of PM&DC, and the entire team, were acknowledged for taking the important step of applying to the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) for accreditation. The move aims to enhance international recognition and elevate the standards of medical education in Pakistan.
The NMDAB also intends to introduce criteria, regulations, and proforma for CME/CPD, with the support of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), to empower and reinvigorate medical practitioners. This step will be crucial for the renewal of PM&DC licenses for both general and specialist medical and dental practitioners.
The 21-member NMDAB is constituted of highly qualified professionals from all provinces of Pakistan, recognized nationally and internationally. They will serve a four-year term in accordance with Section 11 of the PM&DC Act 22.
With these proactive measures and the cooperation of relevant stakeholders, the National Medical & Dental Academic Board aims to elevate the standards of healthcare education in Pakistan and enhance its standing on the global stage.