Dr Rafey Sher met with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in Islamabad to press for faster integration of Foreign Medical Graduates into Pakistan’s healthcare system. He outlined persistent barriers that prevent internationally trained doctors from obtaining licensure and meaningful employment despite their qualifications.
During the discussion Dr Rafey Sher described FMGs as a skilled but underutilized segment of the medical workforce whose inclusion could strengthen health services across the country. He stressed that licensing delays and limited employment opportunities leave young doctors sidelined at a time when Pakistan needs all available expertise to meet rising healthcare demands.
Dr Rafey Sher noted that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has shown strong support for institutional reforms to accommodate FMGs and urged the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to adopt an official stance and offer tangible backing. He appealed for cross-party cooperation, saying “the healthcare of our people must not be a partisan issue,” and called on political leaders to work together to secure fair access for these professionals.
Emphasising the strategic importance of integration, he argued that FMGs represent an untapped resource that can help bridge gaps in care, particularly in underserved areas. Dr Rafey Sher framed the matter not only as a question of justice but as an essential component of national healthcare planning and workforce development.
Minister Khawaja Asif acknowledged the concerns raised and assured Dr Rafey Sher that the issue would be taken up with relevant government departments for further review. He recognised the value of qualified medical professionals in national development and thanked Dr Rafey Sher for continuing to advocate for FMGs and reforms aimed at improving healthcare access across Pakistan.
