Visa Processing Guide

GAMCA Medical Test for GCC Employment

Everything you need to know about the mandatory GCC health examination for Pakistani workers

What is the GAMCA Medical Test?

The GAMCA (GCC Approved Medical Centres Association) medical test is a mandatory health screening for all Pakistani workers seeking employment in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. It includes blood tests, chest X-ray, physical examination, and infectious disease screening. Conducted at approved centres across Pakistan, it costs PKR 8,000–15,000, takes 2–4 hours, and results are valid for 3 months.

GAMCA Medical Test — Key Facts
Required ForAll workers travelling to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman
CostPKR 8,000 – 15,000 (varies by centre and city)
Duration2–4 hours at the medical centre
Results2–5 working days, uploaded to Wafid portal
Validity3 months from date of examination
Fasting10–12 hours required before appointment (water allowed)
Approved CentresLahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Multan
The GAMCA (GCC Approved Medical Centres Association) medical test is a mandatory health screening required for all workers travelling from Pakistan to GCC countries — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. The examination is conducted at designated GAMCA-approved medical centres across Pakistan and must be completed before visa stamping can proceed. Results are electronically transmitted to the destination country's health authorities for verification. The test typically includes a complete blood panel, chest X-ray, physical examination, and screening for infectious diseases. GAMCA medical results are valid for 3 months from the date of examination. As a BEOE-registered OEP (License 0332/LHR), PPA coordinates GAMCA medical scheduling for all workers being processed for GCC deployment, ensuring appointments are aligned with visa processing timelines.

What is the GAMCA Medical Test?

Standardised GCC Health Screening

GAMCA stands for GCC Approved Medical Centres Association. It is the standardised medical examination system recognised by all six GCC member states. The system ensures that workers entering GCC countries meet minimum health requirements and are free from communicable diseases that could pose public health risks.

Wafid Electronic System

The GAMCA framework was established to create a uniform health screening standard across the Gulf region. All medical centres conducting GAMCA examinations must be accredited and follow standardised testing protocols. Results are uploaded to the Wafid (formerly GCC Health Exam) online system, which destination-country health ministries access directly.

What Does the GAMCA Medical Test Include?

Test CategorySpecific TestsPurpose
Blood TestsComplete Blood Count (CBC), Blood Sugar, Liver Function (SGPT/SGOT), Kidney Function (Creatinine/BUN), Blood Group & Rh FactorGeneral health & organ function screening
Infectious Disease ScreeningHIV, Hepatitis B (HBsAg), Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV), VDRL/Syphilis, MalariaCommunicable disease clearance
Chest X-RayPA view chest radiographTuberculosis screening
Physical ExaminationVision, hearing, blood pressure, heart, lungs, hernia check, general fitnessOverall fitness for work
Urine AnalysisRoutine urine examinationKidney function, drug screening

GAMCA Medical Test Process — Step by Step

1

Online Registration via Wafid

Register on the Wafid portal with your passport details, visa reference number, and destination country. The system generates a unique reference number required for your appointment.

2

Appointment Scheduling

Select a GAMCA-approved medical centre and book your appointment date. PPA coordinates scheduling for all workers in a deployment batch to ensure timely processing.

3

Visit the Medical Centre

Arrive at the designated centre on your appointment date with: original passport, 2 passport-size photographs (white background), Wafid registration printout, and the examination fee.

4

Medical Examination

The examination typically takes 2–4 hours and includes all tests listed above. Blood samples are collected, chest X-ray is taken, and a physician conducts the physical examination.

5

Results Upload to Wafid

The medical centre uploads results electronically to the Wafid system within 2–5 working days. Destination-country health authorities access results directly through this system.

6

Fitness Certificate

If all tests are clear, a fitness certificate is issued. This certificate is required for visa stamping. If any test requires follow-up, the centre will advise on next steps.

Approved Medical Centres in Pakistan

Lahore
Karachi
Islamabad / Rawalpindi
Faisalabad
Peshawar
Multan
For the current list of approved centres and appointment availability, visit the official Wafid portal at gcchealthexam.com

Important Guidelines

Before the Test

  • Fast for 10–12 hours before your appointment (water is permitted)
  • Bring original passport — photocopies are not accepted
  • Carry 2 recent passport-size photographs (white background)
  • Bring the Wafid registration printout with reference number
  • Carry the examination fee in cash (amount varies by centre)

On the Day

  • Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time
  • Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing for the physical exam
  • Disclose any existing medical conditions or medications to the examining physician
  • Do not consume alcohol for at least 48 hours before the test

After the Test

  • Results are typically available within 2–5 working days on the Wafid portal
  • A "fit" result is valid for 3 months
  • If declared "unfit," you may request re-examination after the recommended waiting period
  • An "unfit" result for one GCC country applies to all GCC countries

Common Reasons for Medical Rejection

ConditionImpact
Active Tuberculosis (TB)Automatic disqualification — must complete treatment and retest
HIV PositiveDisqualification for all GCC countries
Hepatitis B or C (active)Disqualification — carriers may be retested based on viral load
Uncontrolled DiabetesMay result in "unfit" — must stabilise before retest
High Blood Pressure (uncontrolled)Requires treatment and follow-up examination
HerniaRequires surgical repair before clearance
Vision / Hearing ImpairmentMay be disqualifying depending on job requirements

Workers declared unfit can typically retest after treatment, with timelines varying by condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the GAMCA medical test cost?

Fees vary by medical centre and city, generally ranging from PKR 8,000 to PKR 15,000. Confirm the exact fee with your chosen centre when booking.

How long are GAMCA results valid?

GAMCA medical results are valid for 3 months from the date of examination. If your visa processing extends beyond this period, a repeat examination may be required.

Can I choose any medical centre?

No. You must visit a GAMCA-approved centre listed on the Wafid portal. Non-approved centre results are not accepted.

What happens if I fail the GAMCA test?

If declared "unfit," you will receive guidance on the condition that caused the rejection. Most conditions can be treated, after which you can apply for re-examination. An unfit result applies across all GCC countries.

Do I need to fast before the test?

Yes. A 10–12 hour fast is required before the blood test (water is permitted). Not fasting can affect blood sugar and lipid results.

How long does the examination take?

The full examination typically takes 2–4 hours, including wait time, blood collection, X-ray, and physical exam.

Is the GAMCA test required for all GCC countries?

Yes. The GAMCA medical test is mandatory for all six GCC member states: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

What is PPA's role in GAMCA scheduling?

PPA coordinates GAMCA medical appointments for all workers in a deployment batch, ensuring examinations are scheduled to align with visa processing timelines and BEOE clearance deadlines.

Processing Workers for GCC?

PPA coordinates GAMCA medical scheduling alongside visa processing, BEOE clearance, and deployment logistics. Contact us to discuss your manpower requirements.

Contact PPA →

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