Medical profession is one of the fastest growing fields of Pakistan. Its demands are increasing day by day and it is the need of the hour to keep pace with the changing world of medicine. Previously doctors of this province used to go to teaching institutes of other provinces for the sake of training and specialization. That was costly and cumbersome. Looking at the diverse and ever increasing teaching and training needs of the province, the provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa decided to establish a Postgraduate Medical Institute. The month of October 1984, was glistening with the crown of the long awaited dream come true. Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, being the oldest and the most prestigious medical facility of the province, was given the honor to host the prestigious Postgraduate Medical Institute.

The main objectives of PGMI are:- (i) Teaching and training, (ii) Promotion of research and (iii) Improvement of patient
care and professional ethics. During phase I, the institute started clinical diplomas including DGO, DCH, DLO, DA, DCP, DO, DMRD, DTCD. The FCPS training program was added in Phase II. PGMI started in 1984 with 90 postgraduate medical trainees training for Diploma courses from University of Peshawar and FCPS/MCPS courses from College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP). With the passage of time, the will of young doctors to receive postgraduate training and degrees increased and so did the number of applicants for training slots at PGMI which stood in thousands. PGMI is affiliated with Khyber Medical University Peshawar for the award of degrees and diplomas and recognized/accredited by College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan for the award of FCPS and MCPS diplomas in various specialties. Courses offered* by PGMI are as under:
– FCPS
– MCPS
– Diplomas(Registered with KMU)
PGMI acts as the governing body for the selection and distribution of Postgraduate Residents (PGRs) (formerly Trainee Medical Officers) for FCPS as well as MCPS and
Diploma training programs**. All the training and stipend records of PGRs are maintained by PGMI head office located at Hayatabad, Peshawar.