The main focus of PBL is to generate students who are independent and enterprising problem-solvers. It emphasizes active student- centered learning.  Students are challenged to inquire into reflect upon examine and understand the basics of medicine as they develop approaches toward the solution of defined problems in a context relevant to their subject.

PBL is a student-centred as opposed to teacher-centred approach. The basic study material does not consist of lectures and readers. It  is made  up of a collection of programmatic case studies (problems) accompanied by relevant literature. Based on the analysis of a problem by a group of  students, they individually collect new information that is discussed and synthesised into possible sloutions in the next group meeting.  Thus, empowering students to learn independantly. Students define their own learning objectives on a continuous basis through a stimulating process of problem analysis, goal setting, theory application and problem solving. Teachers closely monitor the learning process to ensure that principles of PBL are being followed.