Medical degree-holders from colleges in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) will not be allowed to practice in India. A statement issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) has said that institutions in those territories are not recognised under Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, and hence, students who gain qualifications from such colleges are not entitled to practice modern medicine in India.
“This is to inform all concerned that entire territories of UT of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the territory. Accordingly, any medical institution in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (PoJKL) requires permission/ recognition under the Indian Medical Act, 1956. Such permission has not been granted to any medical colleges in PoJKL. Therefore, any qualification obtained from medical colleges located within these illegally occupied areas of India shall not entitle a person for grant of registration under IMC Act, 1956 to practice Modern Medicine in India,” the statement said.
