Govt Caps Private Medical Colleges’ Fee at Rs 1.8 Million
APP
Islamabad: The Committee on Medical Education Reforms has decided to cap the annual tuition fee for private medical and dental colleges at Rs 1.8 million, ensuring affordability and transparency in medical education.
The committee, formed by the Prime Minister and chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, reached a consensus after evaluating financial data and recommendations from a sub-committee. The fee cap will be subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for a period of five years for MBBS programs and four years for BDS programs.
Institutions seeking to charge a higher fee—up to a maximum of Rs 2.5 million—must submit detailed financial justifications to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC).
These justifications should include cost breakdowns, evidence of additional educational services, and comparisons with other institutions. Unsubstantiated fee hikes will not be approved to maintain fairness and affordability.
This decision aims to curb skyrocketing tuition fees and make medical education more accessible, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. The government remains committed to reforming and standardizing medical education in Pakistan.
The committee acknowledged the leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister and recognized the contributions of Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Federal Secretary for Health Nadeem Mahbub, and PM&DC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj. Special appreciation was extended to the sub-committee, led by Prof. Dr. Masood Gondal, for its extensive financial analysis.
The PM&DC emphasized that tuition fees must reflect the true cost of quality education while ensuring the sustainability of private institutions. The council has previously addressed tuition fee concerns in meetings on June 4, 2022, December 10, 2023, and February 23, 2024.
In response to ongoing public concerns, a sub-committee was formed on February 27, 2025, to analyze excessive fee hikes and consult stakeholders, including representatives from private institutions and the Pakistan Association of Medical Institutes (PAMI).
This landmark decision reinforces the government’s commitment to making medical education in Pakistan more accessible, transparent, and of the highest quality.
