Overseas Pakistanis seeking medical education in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Background: Pakistanis migrated to western countries face difficulty in letting their children get higher education from abroad. It has been observed that many overseas Pakistanis feel secured to send their children to Pakistan to acquire higher education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reasons for overseas Pakistani students seeking medical education in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2010 to May 2011 recruiting overseas Pakistani students studying in different medical colleges of Sindh, Pakistan. Cluster of 8 medical colleges were selected and a convenient sample [n=700] was recruited. Of the 700 administered questionnaires, 530 [76%] were returned and 25 were incomplete and therefore, rejected. A total of 505 [72%] were included in the analysis. Results: A statistical significance was found when origin of students was compared with the economic aspect of medical education in Pakistan [p=0.01]. Overall 71% students agreed that the cost of medical education in Pakistan is much less then their respective countries of origin. Another highly significant difference was observed [p<0.001] between student's origin and their reasons behind taking medicine as a career. Conclusion: The study establishes that Pakistan as a country offers quality medical education in minimum possible costs and more foreign students can pursue medical education in Pakistan