ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has directed all medical and dental practitioners and specialists to renew their registration certificates in accordance with the PMDC Act, 2022 and applicable rules and regulations.

All doctors have been advised to renew their registration certificates within six months to ensure continued compliance with the prescribed legal, professional, safety, and ethical requirements and to avoid any inconvenience.

The decision has been made to bring the professional register up to date and protect the interests of both practitioners and the public. A current and verifiable register is fundamental for maintaining public confidence in the healthcare system.

“PMDC has taken this measure primarily to protect doctors, safeguard patients, and strengthen the integrity of the medical and dental profession. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date register of licensed practitioners is an essential regulatory responsibility and is necessary to ensure that only duly registered and authorised professionals are able to practise”, said a statement issued by the PMDC.

Furthermore, the renewal process will also help PMDC address concerns relating to quackery, forgery, fraudulent use of registration certificates and unauthorised medical practice. An updated registration database will make it more difficult for individuals to misuse or falsely represent professional credentials.

Importantly, regular renewal and verification of registration records will also provide an additional safeguard against the misuse of the registration certificates or credentials of deceased practitioners. Keeping the professional register current will enable the council to identify outdated records and take appropriate regulatory action where necessary, it added.

PMDC emphasised that maintaining valid registration is both a professional and ethical responsibility. “Regular renewal ensures that doctors remain compliant with regulatory requirements and provides verifiable evidence of their professional standing, benefiting them in Pakistan as well as when pursuing employment, training, licensing or other professional opportunities internationally”, it added.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026