Zimpapers Logo

Sibongile Maruta Herald Reporter
The Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (MDPCZ) has called on students studying Medicine and Dentistry abroad to register for local internships for their qualifications to be recognised locally. MDPCZ said it had noticed that Zimbabweans studying the disciplines abroad were returning home without the required field experience needed to practice.

In a statement issued recently, the council said the registrations were necessary to acquaint the students with the expected accreditation status of training institutions, which will help them prevent difficulties associated with graduating from poor medical schools.

“This will enable the students to undertake elective training while on holiday, thereby enhancing their familiarisation with the local system in designated teaching units in preparation for the MDPCZ registration upon successful completion of their medical or dental degrees,” said MDPCZ.

“Regulation on the practice of Medicine and Dentistry in the country is calling on medical and dentistry students in terms of Section 77(3) of the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19) and when seeking registration with the MDPCZ to undertake internship, or as a medical or dental practitioner. Foreign-trained doctors are required in terms of Section 86 (1) of the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19), as read together with Section 88 (2) (b), to meet requirements.”

To register with the council, the students need a written verification of a medical or dental degree qualification.

There must also be a verification of the training institution from the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFGM).

MDPCZ also expects the student to have three A-Level passes in science subjects or equivalent of a relevant degree approved by the council, including an approval of the application for registry by the practise control committee of the MDPCZ.

In addition, they also need to pass MDPCZ’s registration examination terms.

“The MDPCZ registry examinations are usually conducted twice a year, March and October, and the student should complete their registration, said the council. The council will issue a license to undertake internship rotations by the MDPCZ within 18 months of completion to the undergraduate training.”