The primary medical qualification (PMQ) awarded by the Maldives National University's (MNU) School of Medicine has been recognised by the United Kingdom's General Medical Council (GMC) as an acceptable overseas qualification.

The recognition allows graduates of MNU's medical programme to apply to sit the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination and pursue GMC registration without first undergoing separate individual qualification assessments.

Doctors who obtain their medical qualifications outside the United Kingdom are generally required to pass the PLAB examination in order to practise medicine in the country. Prior to being permitted to sit the examination, the GMC typically conducts individual assessments of applicants' qualifications.

MNU described the recognition as a major achievement for the University's medical students, faculty members, clinical doctors, staff and affiliated hospitals, noting that it also represents a proud milestone for the Maldives.

The University further stated that efforts are underway to secure international recognition for the School of Medicine's qualifications in additional countries.

MNU launched its MBBS programme in 2018. Since then, three batches of students have graduated from the programme, with a number of alumni currently serving as doctors in hospitals across the Maldives.