Pakistan caps tuition fees for private medical, dental colleges at PKR 1.8 million

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark decision aimed at making medical education more affordable, the Committee on Medical Education Reforms, constituted by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, has officially set a tuition fee cap of PKR 1.8 million per year for MBBS and BDS programs in private medical and dental colleges.

The decision was reached through consensus and aims to curb the rising cost of medical education while ensuring transparency in fee structures. The committee also introduced a mechanism allowing institutions to request a higher fee of up to PKR 2.5 million, provided they submit detailed financial justifications to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC).

Key Participants in the Decision

The high-level meeting included:

• Dr. Tariq Bajwa (Co-chair)
• Mr. Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister on NHSR&C
• Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State (NHSR&C)
• Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, Federal Secretary M/o NHSR&C
• Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, President PM&DC
• Prof. Dr. Masud Gondal, Vice President CPSP
• Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, VC STMU, Islamabad
• Prof. Dr. Mahmud Aurangzeb, Dean Khyber Medical College, Peshawar
• Dr. Riaz Shabaz Junjua, General Secretary PAMI
• Dr. Ghazanfar Ali, Vice President PAMI
• Dr. Adil H. Haider, Dean AKU, Karachi

Addressing the Issue of Rising Tuition Fees

The continuous increase in tuition fees for private medical colleges has been a source of concern for students and parents across Pakistan. The PM&DC Council had previously discussed this issue in meetings held on:

• June 4, 2022
• December 10, 2023
• February 23, 2024

Following these discussions, a sub-committee led by Prof. Dr. Masood Gondal was established on February 27, 2025, to investigate and recommend a resolution for excessive fee hikes. After conducting three in-depth meetings and consulting stakeholders—including representatives from private institutions and the Pakistan Association of Medical Institutes (PAMI)—the sub-committee provided recommendations that formed the basis of today’s decision.

Key Features of the New Fee Policy

✔ Annual Cap: PKR 1.8 million for MBBS/BDS programs
✔ Adjustments: Annual increase based on CPI inflation rate
✔ Duration of Policy: Five years for MBBS, four years for BDS
✔ Exception: Colleges seeking fees up to PKR 2.5 million must submit financial justifications to PM&DC

Institutions that wish to charge above the standard PKR 1.8 million fee will need to present a comprehensive breakdown of additional costs, facilities, and educational services offered to students. The committee has strictly warned against unjustified fee hikes, emphasizing that financial sustainability should not come at the cost of accessibility.

Government's Commitment to Affordable Education

The Committee on Medical Education Reforms reaffirmed its dedication to making medical education accessible to all segments of society, particularly lower-income families. The policy aims to balance the financial viability of private institutions while protecting students from excessive fees.

The Committee also extended its appreciation to the Deputy Prime Minister for his visionary leadership in spearheading this initiative. Special acknowledgments were given to:

• Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal for prioritizing public concerns
• Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State (NHSR&C)
• Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, Federal Secretary M/o NHSR&C
• Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, President PM&DC, for his consistent oversight in ensuring transparency throughout the process

Additionally, the sub-committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. Masood Gondal, was recognized for its rigorous financial analysis and stakeholder consultations.

Ensuring Transparency & Sustainability

While capping tuition fees, the PM&DC will ensure that medical institutions continue delivering high-quality education. The new fee structure will be publicly declared and enforced, maintaining fairness across all private medical colleges in Pakistan.

With this decision, the government takes a firm step toward regulating medical education costs, ensuring that future doctors are not burdened by excessive fees and can focus on their professional development without financial stress.