Private medical college tuition capped at Rs1.8m per year

• Tuition to rise annually per CPI for five years.
• Institutions may request an increase of up to Rs2.5m.
• Detailed justification required for higher tuition requests.

ISLAMABAD: The Committee on Medical Education Reforms, formed by the prime minister and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, on Thursday imposed a firm annual ceiling of Rs1.8 million on tuition fees for private medical and dental colleges offering MBBS and BDS programmes, The News reported. 

The move is aimed at making medical and dental education more affordable and accessible across Pakistan.

The committee met in Islamabad with co-chair Dr Tariq Bajwa, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Health Secretary Nadeem Mahbub, PMDC President Prof Rizwan Taj, CPSP Vice President Prof Masud Gondal, STMU Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Iqbal, Khyber Medical College Dean Prof Mahmud Aurangzeb, PAMI General Secretary Dr Riaz Shabaz Junjua, PAMI Vice President Dr Ghazanfar Ali, and AKU Dean Dr Adil H Haider in attendance.

The issue of rising tuition fees in private medical colleges has been a subject of concern for the public, students and parents alike. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has addressed the matter in prior meetings held on June 4, 2022, December 10, 2023, and February 23, 2024.

A sub-committee, led by Prof Masood Gondal, was formed in response to the Council's decision on Feb 27, 2025, to resolve the issue of excessive fee hikes. The panel consulted stakeholders, including representatives from private institutions and the Pakistan Association of Medical Institutes, to obtain comprehensive feedback on the matter.

After careful evaluation of the financial data and justifications provided by the institutions and based on the recommendations of the sub-committee, the Committee on Medical Education Reforms declared that the annual tuition fee for private medical and dental colleges should be capped at Rs1.8 million, with annual increase based on the CPI inflation rate, applicable for a period of five years for MBBS programmes and four years for BDS programmes. 

The fee structure will be publicly declared and enforced, ensuring transparency in the tuition fee determination process.

However, institutions that believe their financial needs require a higher fee, up to a maximum of PKR 2.5 million, will be allowed to submit a detailed financial justification to the PMDC.

The justification must include a breakdown of the costs driving the need for the higher fee, evidence of additional educational services or facilities offered to students, and a comparison with other institutions adhering to the standard fee structure. 

It is essential that any fee increases not supported by solid financial reasoning are not accepted. The committee emphasised that only justified increases will be entertained to maintain fairness and ensure that education remains affordable.

The landmark decision is a step forward in addressing the long-standing issue of skyrocketing tuition fees, making medical education more accessible to students from all financial backgrounds, particularly those from lower-income families. 

By making education affordable and transparent, the government’s commitment to reforming and standardizing medical education in Pakistan continues to gain momentum. 

The committee extended its profound appreciation to the deputy prime minister for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to education reform. His commitment to the cause has been instrumental in driving this important initiative forward.

Additionally, the committee acknowledged health minister Mustafa Kamal for his proactive efforts in recognising the concerns of the public and prioritising the affordability of education.

It also commended the work of the sub-committee, under the chairmanship of Prof Masood Gondal, saying exhaustive analysis of tuition fees and financial justifications provided by private colleges played a vital role in shaping those recommendations. 

The committee acknowledged the need for private institutions to maintain financial sustainability while ensuring the delivery of high-quality education. The PMDC’s role remains clear—tuition fees must reflect the true cost of providing quality education while ensuring that institutions operate sustainably without exploiting students.

The committee remains fully committed to ensuring that medical education in Pakistan remains accessible, affordable, and of the highest quality, safeguarding the welfare of both students and the broader healthcare system in the country.