A special committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is reviewing a new set of proposals aimed at regulating fee structures and social obligations of private medical and dental colleges in Pakistan. Final decisions are expected soon following the committee’s assessment.
According to sources, the recommended annual fee range for private medical colleges is Rs1.8 million to Rs2.5 million. This comes after an earlier proposal suggesting a lower range of Rs1.2–1.5 million was rejected by private college representatives, who currently charge between Rs2.5 million and Rs3.5 million annually.
Key Proposals Under Review:
- Fee Cap: Rs1.8M minimum to Rs2.5M maximum per year.
- Annual Fee Hike: A 5% annual increase limit is proposed.
- Social Responsibility:
- 35% of beds in private teaching hospitals to be reserved for social welfare patients.
- Five scholarships per year to be offered by each college.
- Flexible installment plans for underprivileged students.
Sources say that private college representatives have agreed to these proposals.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) had capped annual fees at Rs500,000 in 2012, with a 5% annual increase allowed, but this regulation was widely ignored.
In July last year, the PMDC sought legal guidance from the Health Ministry to enforce a uniform fee structure, but despite nearly six months, the matter remains unresolved.
A final announcement on the new fee framework and related obligations will be made by Ishaq Dar after the special committee concludes its review.
