PMDC introduces E-certificates to enhance efficiency 

ISLAMABAD: Further enhancing its digital transformation, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is introducing e-certificates for license renewals and Good Standing Certificates.

This initiative follows the successful launch of the PMDC’s updated online portal two months ago, which has greatly streamlined the issuance of registrations and licensing certificates.

Led by PMDC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, the council’s IT team has been tasked with developing and implementing this new e-certification system to modernize its registration processes, creating a fully digital system for essential documents.

The transition to e-certification is expected to drastically reduce processing times, making it faster and more convenient for practitioners to get their licenses and Good Standing Certificates renewed.

With the new system, license renewals are anticipated to be completed within 6-7 days, while Good Standing Certificates will be processed in just 1-2 days. The enhanced digital infrastructure will also enable the PMDC to handle up to 300-400 applications per day, significantly boosting operational efficiency.

In a press release, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj says the current manual processing of these certificates is both time-consuming and resource-intensive. The shift to digital technology will streamline these processes, transitioning from manual handling and mailing to online application submission, electronic certificate generation, and direct electronic delivery with enhanced security features, he adds.

He says the move will also reduce printing and mailing costs, cut down on paper usage, and provide a more transparent and user-friendly application process, while enhanced digital security measures will help prevent fraud and forgery.

Since the updated portal’s launch in June 2024, the PMDC has processed 17,524 renewal cases, of which 16,692 have been completed and issued.

Some 5,063 doctors and dentists have applied to the PMDC for Good Standing Certificates, with 4,891 cases successfully issued. These certificates are crucial for medical professionals seeking to practice abroad, apply for jobs, or pursue further education internationally.

Prof. Taj says preparations are underway, including developing the necessary technological infrastructure, training staff, and ensuring all processes align with the new system.