ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Wednesday announced the result of the National Examination Board (NEB).

The exam was attempted by 786 candidates of which 756 passed and the overall result of the four parts was 96pc.

The NEB is conducted by the PMDC for medical graduates who get their degrees from abroad and was started because of complaints that doctors who study in languages other than English face problems when treating patients. There were also complaints about the quality of education. Through an act of parliament, it was made mandatory in 2012 that foreign graduates have to pass the NEB though some postgraduate qualifications like a diploma from the American Board and the UK’s FRCS are exempt from the NEB.

During the last four years, foreign graduates have held protests against the council a number of times and alleged that the council was involved in corruption and nepotism during the NEB exams. The new council management changed the exam pattern and also decided that results will be announced without delay.

The exam was being held by the National University of Medical Sciences. According to a statement issued by the council, the first part of the exam was held on July 15 in which 188 of 200 candidates passed, the second part was held on July 16 in which 192 candidates passed and the third was held on July 22 in which 196 candidates passed. A total of 186 candidates attempted the fourth part in which 186 cleared the exam.

PMDC President Prof Dr Shabir Lehri has said the addition of foreign qualified medical graduates will help improve the health sector in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2017