ISLAMABAD: The Committee on Medical Education Reforms, constituted by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, has successfully reached a consensus decision, setting a cap on the tuition fee for private medical and dental colleges at PKR 1.8 million for MBBS and BDS programs.
This crucial step marks a significant moment in ensuring the affordability and accessibility of medical education in Pakistan. The key participants of the meeting were Dr Tariq Bajwa (co-chair), Mustafa Kamal Federal Minister on NHSRC, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath and others .
The issue of rising tuition fees in private medical colleges has been a subject of ongoing concern for the public, students, and parents alike. The PMDC Council has previously addressed these concerns in its meetings on June 4, 2022, December 10, 2023, and February 23, 2024.
A sub-Committee, led by Prof Dr Masood Gondal, was formed in response to the Council's decision on February 27, 2025, to resolve the issue of excessive fee hikes. This sub-Committee, after conducting thorough analysis over three meetings, consulted stakeholders, including representatives from private institutions and the Pakistan Association of Medical Institutes (PAMI), 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 determined that the annual tuition fee for private medical and dental colleges should be capped at PKR 1.8 million, with annual increase based on the CPI inflation rate, applicable for a period of five years for MBBS programs and four years for BDS programs. This 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 has emphasized that only justified increases will be entertained to maintain fairness and ensure that education remains affordable.
This 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.
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 Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal for his proactive efforts in recognizing the concerns of the public and prioritizing the affordability of education.
The Committee also commended the hard work of the sub-Committee, under the chairmanship of Prof Dr Masood Gondal, whose exhaustive analysis of tuition fees and financial justifications provided by private colleges played a vital role in shaping these recommendations.
