PMDC reschedules NRE Step-1 for foreign medical graduates to Nov 8

Islamabad: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has moved the first part of the National Registration Examination (NRE) for foreign medical graduates from October 11 to November 8. This decision, announced on October 5, is attributed to "unavoidable circumstances" and is expected to take place on a Sunday. The change in date comes amid political unrest, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) initiating a long march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa towards Islamabad.

Despite official warnings, the march proceeded, leading to enhanced security measures in Rawalpindi Division and Islamabad. The National University of Medical Sciences in Rawalpindi is responsible for administering the NRE, which is a mandatory requirement for foreign medical graduates to practice in Pakistan. Conducted in two stages twice a year, the exam assesses the medical and dental knowledge and skills of graduates.

Foreign graduates must pass two steps of the NRE to secure a house job and a license to practice in the country, with the curriculum aligning with Pakistan's medical and dental degree standards.