PMDC Launches Online Licensing System to Streamline Medical Registration in Punjab

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has taken a major step toward digital transformation by launching an online licensing system for registering medical and dental colleges in Punjab. This initiative, introduced in late May 2025, is expected to significantly ease the registration process for medical professionals, reducing the dependency on physical visits and paperwork.

A Major Shift Towards Digital Accessibility

For years, healthcare professionals across Punjab had to travel to Islamabad to complete various licensing and registration formalities. With the launch of the PMDC’s online portal, those hurdles have been eliminated. Medical and dental professionals can now access all registration-related services directly from the PMDC regional office in Lahore. This marks a turning point in administrative efficiency and digital accessibility in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.

PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj termed the initiative a “landmark development” during the official announcement. He emphasized that the new system is designed to provide end-to-end support for applicants, ensuring a more streamlined and transparent registration process. He also highlighted that, upon successful registration, original certificates will be delivered to practitioners via courier, saving them both time and effort.

Nationwide Rollout in Phases

Dr. Taj confirmed that this is just the beginning of a larger digital overhaul. Following the success of the system in Punjab, the PMDC plans to implement the portal in stages across other provinces. The second phase will include cities like Peshawar and Karachi, where the system will be expanded to benefit a broader group of medical professionals.

The third phase of the rollout is scheduled for Jamshoro and Balochistan, with the fourth phase planned for Multan. This phased approach allows the PMDC to monitor the success of the system, troubleshoot early-stage issues, and adapt the portal for different regional requirements. Once fully operational nationwide, this platform has the potential to reshape how licensing and registration are handled across Pakistan’s medical sector.

Benefits for Medical Professionals and Institutions

This digital initiative is designed not just for individual practitioners but also for medical and dental colleges that require official recognition and regular compliance checks. With the platform, institutions will be able to submit documents, track application status, and communicate with PMDC representatives without leaving their campuses.

In addition to institutional support, the platform also benefits fresh graduates, foreign medical degree holders, and specialists seeking certification or renewal. The system will standardize application formats, reduce processing time, and eliminate unnecessary intermediaries, leading to a more transparent and accountable registration process.

Convenience Meets Efficiency

The introduction of courier-based certificate delivery adds another layer of convenience. Previously, applicants often had to make multiple trips to PMDC offices, facing long waiting times and delays. Now, successful applicants can receive their official documents directly at their doorstep, enhancing user satisfaction and cutting operational overhead.

Moreover, this move supports the broader national agenda of digital governance. It aligns with Pakistan's push toward e-governance solutions that reduce bureaucracy, promote efficiency, and foster trust in public institutions. For the medical field in particular, where time and accuracy are of critical importance, this digital shift is both timely and necessary.

What Lies Ahead?

While the initial feedback from Punjab has been overwhelmingly positive, the real test will come during the nationwide implementation. Success will depend on user training, system robustness, and the PMDC’s ability to handle large volumes of data without compromising security or functionality.

Nevertheless, if executed effectively, this initiative could serve as a model for other regulatory bodies in Pakistan. From the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), similar transitions to digital platforms could drastically improve efficiency and user experience across multiple sectors.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for Healthcare Administration

The PMDC’s launch of an online licensing system is a major leap forward in modernizing Pakistan’s healthcare administration. By eliminating geographical barriers, reducing paperwork, and ensuring faster processing, this system stands to benefit thousands of medical professionals and institutions. As the portal expands across the country in phases, it reflects a broader shift toward digital transformation, improved service delivery, and a smarter public health infrastructure.