PMDC Caps Private Medical College Fees at Rs1.8 Million to Enhance Affordability

In a significant move to make medical education more accessible, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has finalized an official directive capping annual tuition fees for MBBS and BDS programs at private colleges to Rs1.8 million. This decision aims to standardize fees across the country and alleviate the financial burden on aspiring medical students.​

Key Highlights of the PMDC Directive

• Uniform Fee Cap: The Rs1.8 million annual tuition fee applies uniformly to all academic years of MBBS and BDS programs in private medical and dental colleges.​
• Controlled Fee Increases: Starting with the 2025 academic session, private institutions are permitted a maximum annual fee increase of 5%. From 2026 onward, any fee adjustments will be linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring that increases are in line with inflation.​
• Refunds for Overcharged Students: Institutions that have charged fees exceeding the new cap are mandated to refund or adjust the excess amounts for affected students.​
• Regulatory Oversight: Private medical colleges are prohibited from charging fees beyond the set limit without prior approval from the PMDC. Colleges seeking to justify higher fees must submit comprehensive financial details for consideration. Non-compliance may result in legal action.

Implementation and Oversight

The fee reduction order will be forwarded to provincial governments for implementation. The Medical Education Committee, formed under the directive of the Prime Minister, determined the new fee structure. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bring uniformity and transparency to medical education costs across Pakistan.

Historically, in 2012, the PMDC had capped annual fees for private medical colleges at Rs500,000 with a five percent annual increase. However, this regulation was largely disregarded by many institutions, leading to the current reforms.​

This decisive action by the PMDC reflects a commitment to ensuring that medical education remains within reach for students from diverse economic backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive healthcare sector in Pakistan.