Medical triumph, but
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Around 1,061 Pakistani doctors have cleared their United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and secured residency positions in the US. Their remarkable success stands as a strong testament to the growing strength and global recognition of Pakistan's medical education sector. It also marks the highest number of Pakistani doctors to achieve this milestone in a single year.
Securing a US residency is extremely competitive and difficult. Professor Dr Rizwan Taj, President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, terms this achievement a "turning point in Pakistan's medical journey", highlighting the increase in global opportunities opening up for Pakistani graduates. This success not only reflects individual merit but also illuminates the quality of education being maintained by the country's medical colleges.
These students belong to some of the country's most prestigious institutions, located in major cities such as Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. Among them are King Edward Medical University, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Dow Medical College, Shifa College of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), and Khyber Medical University.
However, while this is commendable, it also underscores the pressing issue of an increasing trend of brain drain. Skilled professionals, particularly the fresher wave of graduates, are opting for international opportunities to build their careers over contributing to the local healthcare system.
Pakistan's economy and population are in dire need of skilled professionals, yet the political and economic instability, coupled with limited job prospects and rising inflation, continue to drive its talent abroad. The loss of the country's most valuable resources represents a significant setback that cannot solely be fixed by achieving global credibility.
Pakistan therefore must create an environment for its talent that facilitates growth and provides ample opportunities for professional development, innovation and financial stability to retain the concerning outflow of aptitude.
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