Regulators Crack Down on Fee Violations at Private Medical Colleges

In a decisive move to uphold transparency and fairness in medical education, Pakistan’s health authorities have issued formal notices to 14 private medical colleges for charging fees beyond the approved limits.

The action was taken following complaints from students and parents about unjustified fee hikes. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), in coordination with the Ministry of National Health Services, launched an inquiry and found that several institutions were violating fee regulations.

These colleges allegedly demanded additional payments under various categories not sanctioned by PMDC, including admission processing, lab usage, and miscellaneous charges. The notices require the institutions to justify their fee structures and align them with regulatory guidelines.

Officials emphasized that the PMDC has a clear fee cap policy designed to protect students from financial exploitation. Any deviation from these limits is considered a serious breach of compliance and could lead to penalties or license suspension.

The crackdown is part of a broader effort to reform Pakistan’s medical education sector, ensuring that aspiring doctors are not burdened by unjust costs. Authorities are also encouraging students to report any irregularities and have pledged to maintain strict oversight moving forward.

This development signals a renewed commitment to accountability in private education and a push toward equitable access to medical training across Pakistan.