Medical Colleges Ask Government to Raise Fee Limit

The Pakistan Association of Private Medical and Dental Institutions PAMI has expressed strong reservations regarding the recent fee cap enforced by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council PMDC. The association has warned that the imposed limit could jeopardize the financial stability and operational viability of private medical and dental colleges across the country. The students can get the latest updates of Medical Colleges Ask Government to Raise Fee Limit.

PMDC Sets Rs. 1.8 Million as Annual Fee Limit

The PMDC recently issued a directive capping annual tuition fees for medical and dental colleges at Rs. 1.8 million, with a permissible annual increment of five percent for the 2025 academic year. PAMI, however, has criticized the move, labeling it as premature and disconnected from the financial realities of running private institutions.

Pre-Decided Fees Cited as Legal Basis for Rejection

According to PAMI’s Secretary General, Dr. Riaz Janjua, most private colleges had already announced and collected their tuition fees—some exceeding the new limit—in compliance with Section 207 of the PMDC Act 2022. He argued that applying the new regulation retroactively is unjustified, as collected fees cannot legally be adjusted or refunded at this stage.

Government Promises Yet to Materialize

Dr. Janjua also referenced discussions held in a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, where it was suggested that institutions charging between Rs. 1.8 million and Rs. 2.5 million would be asked to submit cost justifications. A review committee involving both PAMI and PMDC was proposed to assess audit documents, but the body has not been officially established so far.

PAMI Urges Fee Flexibility and Higher Cap

In its counterproposal, PAMI has urged that tuition fees up to Rs. 2.6 million be exempt from any regulatory scrutiny. Moreover, the organization has called for the maximum fee ceiling to be lifted to Rs. 3.2 million. The suggested revisions are intended to allow private institutions the financial flexibility needed to maintain standards and meet operational costs.