The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme offered by the School of Medicine at the Maldives National University (MNU) has received official recognition from the United Kingdom's General Medical Council (GMC), marking a major achievement for medical education in the Maldives.
The United Kingdom becomes the first country to formally recognise a Maldivian medical degree, opening new pathways for MNU graduates seeking international medical careers. With the recognition, graduates of the programme are now eligible to sit the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination, a key licensing requirement for international doctors wishing to practise medicine in the UK.
Upon successfully completing the PLAB examination and meeting other regulatory requirements, graduates will be eligible to pursue careers within the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
The recognition follows years of efforts by MNU to strengthen the quality and international standing of its medical programme. Since the establishment of the School of Medicine, the university has worked to align its curriculum and academic standards with internationally accepted medical education benchmarks.
As part of this process, MNU adopted a modified version of the curriculum used by the National University of Malaysia, ensuring that students receive training that meets globally recognised standards. Following a detailed evaluation of the programme, the GMC concluded that the curriculum satisfies the requirements necessary for medical licensing in the United Kingdom.
Speaking to PSM News, Dean of MNU's School of Medicine, Sheeza Ali, said the university had not previously sought recognition from the GMC due to the relatively recent establishment of the medical school. However, growing interest among graduates in gaining clinical experience and professional opportunities within the UK healthcare system prompted the university to pursue the accreditation.
Before the GMC granted recognition, Maldivian graduates wishing to sit the PLAB examination were required to undergo individual assessments by the council, a process that could be lengthy and uncertain. The new recognition removes that requirement, allowing eligible graduates to apply directly for the examination.
In another boost to its international standing, the MNU MBBS programme has also been listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, further enhancing its global credibility and recognition.
Established in 2019, MNU's School of Medicine has so far produced four batches of medical graduates, contributing to the development of the Maldives' healthcare workforce while expanding opportunities for doctors trained in the country.
