Pakistan's first transgender doctor approaches SHC over non-issuance of medical licence

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and other respondents over the non-issuance of  medical licence to Dr Sarah Gul, Pakistan’s first transgender doctor.

The court has directed all respondents to submit their replies by November 7.

The notice was issued during the hearing of a petition filed by Dr Gul, who completed her MBBS in 2021 from Jinnah Medical and Dental College (JMDC), which has since been upgraded into Sohail University.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that despite fulfilling all academic requirements, the petitioner has been unable to obtain her PMDC registration and medical licence due to an ongoing dispute between PMDC and the private university.

The university claims that while the institution was previously affiliated with the University of Karachi, it now operates as an independent university and currently does not have access to the PMDC’s online portal for uploading student records.

Meanwhile, the PMDC maintains that updating student records is the university’s responsibility. However, the institutional disagreement has resulted in a prolonged delay in the issuance of Dr Gul's professional licence, preventing her from formally practicing medicine.

The case has been adjourned until November 7 for further proceedings.

Sara Gul has achieved a historic milestone by becoming Pakistan's first transgender doctor, breaking barriers in a society where transgender individuals often face social exclusion.

Despite widespread discrimination, individuals like Sara persist in overcoming challenges to pursue and realize their aspirations.

She earned her medical degree from Jinnah Medical and Dental College, affiliated with the University of Karachi.