PMDC Sets Tuition Fee Cap for MBBS, BDS Programs

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has officially established a maximum annual tuition fee of Rs1.89 million for MBBS and BDS programs, effective from the 2025-26 academic year.

The PMDC has cautioned private medical and dental institutions that significant penalties, such as the revocation of accreditation and legal proceedings, will be enforced if they exceed the stipulated fee limit.

According to an announcement released on October 6, the PMDC has specified that the foundational tuition charge for both the MBBS and BDS programs will remain at Rs1.8 million, with an allowable increase of 5% for the 2025-26 academic year.

Subsequent yearly increases will be correlated with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, commencing from the 2026-27 session, based on the recommendations of the Medical Education Committee, which was formed by the Prime Minister.

The announcement emphasizes that each private medical and dental college must prominently display the authorized fee schedule at least three months prior to the commencement of the admissions process.

Furthermore, it explains that any institution found to be imposing or exhibiting fees above the permitted rate will be subject to repercussions as outlined in Section 33 of the PMDC Act 2022. These measures encompass the suspension of accreditation, a prohibition on admissions, and other statutory consequences.

A high-ranking PMDC official stated that this decision was made in response to “numerous grievances from students and parents” regarding exploitation by private colleges through inflated and concealed costs.

“The Council has adopted a strong approach to protect students against commercial activities in medical education. The Rs1.8 million cap is designed to promote impartiality and accessibility,” the official added.

Authorities within the federal health ministry indicated that the resolution was sanctioned in collaboration with the Medical Education Committee and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C).

“The Prime Minister’s Office had also received various submissions from members of parliament highlighting the imposition of unreasonable amounts by private colleges under the guise of lab, library, or lodging fees,” a senior source within the health ministry verified.

For several years, parents and students have frequently voiced concerns regarding what they describe as “uncontrolled profiteering” by private medical establishments.

Certain institutions were accused of soliciting extra payments in cash or artificially inflating supplementary charges beyond the permitted tuition ceiling. Parliamentarians serving on the Senate Standing Committee on Health also addressed the issue earlier this year, urging the PMDC to ensure openness and affordability in medical education.

The notification has been disseminated to all recognized private and affiliated universities, provincial health departments, and the Secretary of NHSR&C for implementation. It further instructs the PMDC’s IT and media divisions to post the revised fee structure on its website and ensure widespread public knowledge.

Students or parents who encounter overcharging are advised to lodge complaints directly through the PMDC portal at pmdc.pk/ContactUs/Complaint.