Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has launched a digital licensing system for registering medical and dental colleges, beginning with Punjab. The move marks a significant advancement in the modernization of administrative processes in the healthcare sector and aims to enhance accessibility, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and increase operational efficiency for medical professionals across the country.
With the rollout of the new online portal, practitioners based in Punjab can now complete the full registration process through PMDC’s Lahore office, eliminating the need to travel to Islamabad for documentation and certification. All related services are now digitally accessible, and applicants will also receive their original registration certificates via courier, offering a streamlined and convenient experience.
PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj called the digital system a landmark development in the organization’s ongoing efforts to digitize and simplify healthcare regulation. He stated that the platform is designed to provide comprehensive support to applicants and ensure a user-friendly interface for those seeking registration or renewal of licenses. The initiative represents a major shift from traditional paper-based systems to an integrated digital approach aimed at ensuring transparency and improving service delivery.
The licensing portal will be expanded across Pakistan in a phased rollout. The second phase is set to be launched in Peshawar and Karachi, targeting two of the country’s key metropolitan regions. Following that, the third phase will extend the service to Jamshoro and Balochistan, areas that have historically faced administrative and logistical challenges in accessing centralized services. The fourth and final phase of the current rollout plan will cover Multan, ensuring that all major regions are included in the nationwide transition.
This digitization effort by PMDC aligns with broader national goals under Digital Pakistan, aiming to modernize public sector institutions through technology. The platform not only minimizes delays and reduces the burden on applicants but also addresses long-standing inefficiencies in the registration process by eliminating manual paperwork and in-person visits. It also adds a layer of accountability and record management by ensuring digital tracking and secure storage of licensing data.
PMDC’s decision to decentralize its licensing services through a digital platform is expected to benefit thousands of healthcare professionals and educational institutions across the country. The initiative enhances the overall user experience while enabling the Council to focus on oversight and quality control rather than operational bottlenecks. By facilitating remote access and faster turnaround times, it reflects a responsive approach to the needs of practitioners and academic institutions.
The digital transformation of PMDC’s registration process underscores the council’s commitment to innovation and service excellence in the healthcare regulation space. It demonstrates how targeted use of technology can bridge service gaps and improve institutional outreach, particularly in the context of medical education and licensing. With the staged implementation already underway, the move is poised to reshape how medical and dental licensing is managed across Pakistan.
