**PMDC ‘Okays’ Fee Reduction Plan for Private Medical and Dental Colleges**
**(Image: A photo of medical students studying, as per the provided URL)**
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) Council has greenlit a set of recommendations aimed at regulating fees in private medical and dental colleges, sources told ARY News on Tuesday.
These recommendations have been passed on to a special committee for further scrutiny. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who chairs the special committee on medical education, will make the final announcement.
Sources familiar with the proposals indicate that the recommended minimum annual fee for private medical colleges stands at Rs1.8 million, with a proposed maximum of Rs2.5 million.
An earlier proposal suggesting a lower fee range (Rs1.2 to 1.5 million annually) was reportedly rejected by representatives of private medical colleges. Sources confirm that current annual fees charged by these institutions range from Rs2.5 to 3.5 million.
The recommendations also include a proposed annual fee increase of 5%. Additionally, 35% of beds in teaching hospitals affiliated with private medical colleges will be designated for social welfare patients.
Furthermore, private medical colleges will be required to provide five scholarships each year. A flexible installment plan for students from underprivileged backgrounds has also been recommended.
Sources have indicated that representatives of private medical and dental colleges have consented to these recommendations.
In 2012, the PMDC had set a limit of Rs500,000 for annual fees in private medical colleges, with a provision for a 5% yearly increase. However, many institutions reportedly ignored this regulation.
Last July, the PMDC sought legal guidance from the health ministry to standardize the fee structure. However, despite nearly six months passing, the issue of high fees remains unresolved.