In a major step to control the rising costs of medical education, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has imposed a fee cap for private medical and dental colleges. Starting from the 2025 academic year, the tuition fees for MBBS and BDS programs will be capped at Rs1.8 million per year, with a 5% increase allowed each year in line with inflation.
Why This Move Was Necessary
The new fee structure was introduced by the Committee on Medical Education Reforms, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Its goal is to make medical education more affordable and accessible by standardizing fees across private institutions.
Refunds for Overcharged Students
Colleges that have charged fees above the set limit will be required to refund the excess or adjust it in future sessions. This move ensures fairness and addresses past fee discrepancies.
Possible Fee Adjustments for Operational Costs
In cases where colleges have legitimate operational cost increases, they can apply for fee hikes up to Rs2.5 million, with each request being carefully reviewed by the PMDC.
Strict Enforcement of New Regulations
The PMDC has made it clear that non-compliance with the new fee cap will result in legal action. This reinforces the importance of maintaining affordable education for all students across Pakistan.
