New Delhi, April 5:  The Central Government has ruled out any possibility of reconsidering its advisory that prohibits Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) with medical degrees from Pakistan from seeking employment or higher education in India.

In a written response to a question raised by National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reaffirmed that the public notice issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) on April 28, 2022, remains valid and in force.

The Ministry reiterated that medical qualifications obtained from Pakistani institutions are not recognized in India, either for practicing medicine or for admission to postgraduate medical courses. The restriction applies to both Indian citizens and OCIs, effectively barring them from professional opportunities in the medical field within the country.

The advisory, first issued by the NMC in 2022, was based on regulatory, academic, and security considerations. It strongly warned Indian students against pursuing medical education in Pakistan, citing the lack of recognition of such degrees under the Indian Medical Council Act.

This firm stance has left several students—particularly from Jammu and Kashmir—who pursued medical degrees in Pakistan, in a state of uncertainty. Many are now ineligible for further studies or medical practice in India, despite having completed their education abroad.

With no signs of policy change, the government’s position remains clear: Pakistani medical degrees hold no validity in India.