How to Become a General Physician in Pakistan (2025 Guide + Salary & Scope)
Choosing the medical field in Pakistan is not just about selecting a profession. It’s a challenge with the purpose of strengthening society to the extent that people can perform their daily tasks in the best possible way while also building a healthier and more resilient community. The journey of becoming a doctor requires careful planning, perseverance, and dedication. Aspiring doctors must be ready for the journey ahead, which includes a structured education system, tough entrance exams, and significant financial responsibilities requiring dedication, resilience, and long-term commitment. By reading this blog, you’ll gain a clear and practical understanding of pursuing a successful medical career as a general physician, whether you're a student mapping your future or a parent offering support.
Who is a General Physician?
A general physician is also known as a general practitioner (GP); the name indicates general, meaning they generally treat all common illnesses. So it is a doctor who listens to the patients describe their health problems and performs tests to determine what is wrong with the patient. They also prescribe the patient medicine and treatment required to improve their health, so that the general physician deals with uncertainty all the time.
Dr. Marshall Marinker insightfully stated that:
“General physician aims to accept uncertainty, explore probability, and marginalize danger.”
These doctors are trained to:
• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses.
• Treat common diseases
• Offer preventive care
• Health education
• Refer patients to specialists when needed.
• Unlike specialists who focus on one organ system, general physicians handle a broad spectrum of health issues, often long-term health partners for families.
• Responsible for the provision of comprehensive and continuous care to every individual irrespective of age, gender, and illness.
• Promoting patient empowerment and self-management.
• It is a doctor in areas where specialist access is limited.
Dr Sania Khalid, a practicing GP in Lahore, explains,
“A general physician is often the first doctor a patient consults. We manage everything from fevers and infections to chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension.”
How to Become a General Physician in Pakistan?
The roadmap of becoming a general physician: From High School to a medical profession. Below is the step-by-step path guideline to become a GP in Pakistan:
1. Completing High School (Matric/O Levels):
You have to begin your journey at the Matriculation or O-Level stage by choosing the right subjects.
• Matric: You must choose Biology as your major, along with Chemistry, Physics, English, and Mathematics.
• O-Level: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are essential for a science-focused education. Additionally, English Language, Pakistan Studies, Islamic Studies, and Mathematics are mandatory in Pakistan. These subjects cannot be skipped if you plan to apply to any college.
• IBCC Equivalence is required for O-Level and HEC equivalence for matric students to apply to local colleges.
• You must secure 90% or above to be eligible for top medical colleges.
2. Completing Intermediate (Pre-Medical):
This two-year intermediate program focuses on the following:
• In FSc Pre-Medical, you will specialize in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• A Level Requirements: Many institutions require Biology, Chemistry, Physics + Mathematics.
• Aim for plus 90% marks to stand out in medical college admissions.
3. Entrance Exams
Many institutions expect you to score at least 85% on the entrance exam to be eligible for admission to medical college. Here are the main pathways you need to know about:
• MDCAT Exam: The Medical & Dental College Admission Test is a requirement set by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) for all public and private medical colleges in Pakistan.
• NUMS Admission Test: Conducted by the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Scoring well can fast-track your admission to esteemed colleges such as Army Medical College (AMC), CMH-based campuses, and many others under the NUMS umbrella.
• Aga Khan Medical University Entrance test: Aga Khan University (AKU) is lauded both locally and globally for its commitment to excellence in medical education. To secure admission to this university, you have to pass its entrance exams.
• AMC (Army Medical College) Entrance Test: Army Medical College, established in 1977 in Rawalpindi, is renowned for producing excellent physicians and leaders in healthcare, offering both MBBS and BDS programs under the affiliation of the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS).
Minimum Marks: Usually 60-65% for eligibility, but higher scores (plus 85%) are needed for merit seats in these medical colleges.
4. Get Admission into an MBBS Program
After qualifying MDCAT, you can apply for admission to MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), which is a 5-year degree program offered by public and private medical colleges. This includes classroom learning, lab work, and clinical rotations.
Some of the top public medical colleges in Pakistan include:
• King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Lahore
• Allama Iqbal Medical College(AIMC), Lahore
• Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), Lahore
• Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
• Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), Lahore, etc.
5. House Job
After graduating, you complete a one-year supervised internship (house job) to practice the skills you learned and to gain real-world experience in departments like medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, etc.
Without a house job, you cannot register as a medical practitioner in Pakistan.
6. PMDC Registration
Once you’ve completed your house job, you can register with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to legally practice as a general physician.
You will be issued a PMDC number for your license to begin your career.
7. Specialization Exams:
Although an MBBS graduate can practice as a general physician, many doctors pursue additional certifications like:
• MCPS in Family Medicine (2-year program)
• Diploma in General Practice
• If you wish to specialize in areas like surgery, pediatrics, or gynecology, you will need to pass the additional exams and complete further training after MBBS.
These enhance credibility and improve job prospects, especially in private clinics or hospitals.
8. Work Experience:
Experience is key in healthcare. The more time you spend practicing medicine, the more patients will trust you, which is vital for a long and successful career.
How Much Do General Physicians Earn in Pakistan?
The income of a general physician varies depending on factors like location, experience, and sector (government vs private).
Government Sector
In public hospitals, general physicians earn around:
• Fresh Graduates: PKR 90,000 – 120,000/month
• With Experience (5+ years): PKR 250,000 – 350,000/month
Private Sector & Clinics
Private earnings can be significantly higher:
• Own Clinic: PKR 200,000 – 700,000/month (based on patient load)
• Private Hospitals: PKR 150,000 – 400,000/month
Final Thoughts
Becoming a general physician in Pakistan is a noble and respected career path. In 2025 and beyond, the demand for qualified GPs continues to grow, especially in rural and underserved regions. If you’re committed, hardworking, and passionate about healthcare, this could be the ideal profession for you.
If you want to consult Pakistan's Best General physician or get career counselling from a GP, you can visit the Apka Muaalij website at www.apkamuaalij.com.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long does it take to become a general physician in Pakistan?
It typically takes 6 years: 5 years of MBBS + 1 year of house job.
Which course is best for becoming a general physician?
MBBS is the primary and essential course required to become a general physician.
Which type of doctor is best for girls?
Many girls prefer gynecology, dermatology, and general medicine, but the best specialty depends on personal interest and lifestyle preferences.
