Islamabad: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMandDC) has called for a significant expansion in postgraduate (PG) medical training capacity across the country to address the growing imbalance between medical graduates and available training opportunities.

The recommendations were issued following a council meeting held on February 10, 2026, where a comprehensive review of postgraduate training capacity was undertaken.

The council noted that while Pakistan has made considerable progress in undergraduate medical education, resulting in an adequate-and in some fields surplus-number of graduates, this growth has not been matched by an increase in structured postgraduate training positions.

As a result, a large number of qualified doctors compete annually for limited residency slots, particularly in the public sector. The council identified the shortage of training positions, rather than the supply of graduates, as the primary bottleneck in the system.

The imbalance has also contributed to the increasing migration of skilled medical professionals abroad in search of better training and career opportunities.

PMandDC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj stated that the council has unanimously recommended a phased and fiscally responsible increase in postgraduate training slots in public sector institutions, aligning with the annual output of graduates and provincial healthcare needs.

The council further recommended upgrading District Headquarters (DHQs) and Tehsil Headquarters (THQs) hospitals into accredited training centers in line with PMandDC standards. It also emphasized linking postgraduate training with transparent, merit-based career pathways to improve retention and strengthen healthcare delivery.

According to the council, expanding training capacity will not only accommodate more graduates domestically but also help address the shortage of qualified faculty in medical institutions, as trained specialists form the backbone of future teaching roles.

The recommendations aim to enhance institutional capacity, address workforce imbalances, and reduce the ongoing brain drain of medical professionals, while respecting the constitutional roles of provincial governments.