Islamabad, Jan 9: In a decisive move to address the issue of exorbitant fees charged by private medical colleges, the sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services Regulations and Coordination has directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to revoke the licenses of institutions failing to comply with established fee structures.
Committee’s Directive
Chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, the committee convened to discuss the escalating tuition fees in private medical colleges and the PMDC’s role in regulating these charges.The committee received numerous complaints from students alleging that institutions were imposing fees significantly higher than the approved rates, with some colleges charging up to Rs3 million annually, a substantial increase from the Rs800,000 per year in 2018.
Senator Khan emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The PMDC must exercise its authority. Colleges that fail to comply should have their licenses revoked. “She further instructed the council to submit a detailed plan for refunding the extra fees within two weeks.
PMDC’s Response
PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj acknowledged the issue, noting that private medical colleges had collected unapproved fees from MBBS and BDS students in 2024. He assured the committee that those institutions failing to comply would face strict action, including license cancellation.
Committee’s Recommendations
The committee recommended that the PMDC reimburse students for the extra fees charged before introducing the fee structure for the year 2024-25.It also directed the PMDC to cancel the licenses of private medical colleges within two weeks if they fail to comply with the committee’s recommendations.
The committee has expressed its commitment to ensuring that private medical colleges adhere to the approved fee structures and provide quality education and facilities to students. It has also hinted at introducing legislation to cap fees if the PMDC is unable to enforce the existing regulations effectively. This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to protecting students’ rights and ensuring that medical education remains accessible and affordable.
