Web Desk: Qatar has expanded employment opportunities for Pakistani doctors and surgeons by introducing a major facilitation in its medical licensing process, a move expected to significantly increase professional mobility in the healthcare sector.
The decision follows Qatar’s formal recognition of the first and second fellowships awarded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), opening new pathways for Pakistani medical specialists to work in the Gulf state.
According to media reports, the recognition came after Qatar’s relevant medical and regulatory authorities conducted a detailed review of CPSP’s training and examination framework. Officials assessed academic standards, clinical training and professional competencies before concluding that the fellowships meet international benchmarks.
As a result, CPSP qualifications have now been accepted for medical licensing purposes in Qatar, marking a key shift in policy for foreign-trained physicians.
Under the new framework, Pakistani doctors applying for a Qatari medical license on the basis of a second fellowship must first have completed a primary specialty through a first fellowship. Authorities said the requirement is intended to ensure comprehensive training and adequate clinical experience in the applicant’s core field.
Officials added that the condition aims to maintain high standards of patient care across Qatar’s healthcare system.
In a significant easing of the licensing process, CPSP-qualified Pakistani doctors and surgeons will no longer be required to take the Prometric examination to obtain a medical license in Qatar.
The move is expected to speed up licensing procedures while reducing both costs and administrative hurdles, which had previously discouraged many experienced physicians from seeking employment in the country.
Health officials said the policy change will particularly benefit senior Pakistani doctors and surgeons who were previously unable to navigate complex licensing requirements. With the revised process, eligible professionals can now apply directly for positions in public and private hospitals across Qatar based on their credentials and experience.
Experts believe the decision will help address staffing needs in various medical specialties while ensuring quality healthcare delivery.
Medical professionals say the development will not only create new employment opportunities for Pakistani doctors but also strengthen professional and institutional cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar.
Qatar is expected to benefit from access to a pool of well-trained and experienced specialists, while Pakistan’s medical institutions gain international recognition for their standards and expertise.
Analysts describe the move as an acknowledgment of the global standing of Pakistani doctors and medical training institutions. They add that the decision could set a precedent for other Gulf countries, potentially expanding international opportunities for Pakistani healthcare professionals in the future.
Read more: Sweden announces fully funded scholarships for Pakistanis
