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**ISLAMABAD:** In a move to make medical education more affordable, the Pakistani government is taking action to cap the fees charged by private medical and dental colleges, sources have told ARY News.
This decision aims to rein in the soaring costs of private medical education, where annual fees can reach a staggering Rs. 3.5 million. Sources indicate that a maximum fee limit will be established, resulting in a new fee structure significantly lower than what many private institutions currently charge.
The government’s key goal is to prevent unchecked fee hikes and ensure that quality medical education remains accessible to a wider range of aspiring doctors.
Consultations on the proposed fee cap have reportedly concluded, and a final decision is expected in the near future.
This isn’t the first attempt to regulate fees. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) previously banned private colleges from collecting fees, following a recommendation from the Senate Committee. This ban was intended to be temporary, pending recommendations from a Medical Education Committee led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, which was formed by the Prime Minister to address the issue.
Back in 2012, the PMDC had set a maximum annual fee of Rs. 500,000 for private medical colleges, allowing for a 5% yearly increase. However, many institutions reportedly ignored this regulation.
Even last July, the PMDC sought legal advice from the health ministry to create a uniform fee structure. Despite these efforts, the problem of exorbitant fees has persisted for nearly six months.