PMDC reiterates fee cap policy, orders refund or adjustment of excess charges
ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move aimed at protecting students and restoring public trust in medical and dental education, the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) has announced that any excess fee charged by institutions beyond the officially approved cap must be refunded to students or adjusted in the next academic year. The directive comes amid growing concerns over unchecked tuition hikes and widening access gaps for aspiring doctors and dentists across Pakistan.
The assurance was given during an interactive media session chaired by PMDC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, alongside Registrar Dr. Rehan Asghar Naqvi. Prof. Taj outlined the Council’s recent regulatory actions and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency, and student welfare in medical and dental education.
Related story: Medical, dental colleges charging above PMDC-approved fees despite fresh notification: Reports
Addressing persistent complaints from parents and students, the PMDC President said the Council is closely monitoring all medical and dental colleges to ensure strict compliance with the officially notified fee structure. He stressed that access to quality medical and dental education is a fundamental right and must not be restricted by unlawful financial barriers.
PMDC has repeatedly issued public notices advising students and parents not to pay any amount beyond the approved fee cap. However, the Council acknowledged that some institutions continued to violate the policy. In response, show-cause notices have already been issued to 12 medical and dental colleges found charging excessive fees. Several of these institutions have approached courts, making the matter sub judice.
Despite ongoing litigation, PMDC has reached an understanding with the Pakistan Association of Medical Institutions (PAMI) to move toward resolution. Under this arrangement, institutions will withdraw their legal challenges and provide relief to affected students. A follow-up meeting with PAMI is scheduled for later this month to finalize the compliance framework.
Related story: PMDC links MBBS, BDS tuition fee hike to CPI inflation: A decision with long-term consequences
PMDC further clarified that any institution seeking an increase in the fee cap — up to a maximum of PKR 2.5 million — must submit complete financial documentation and justification. These requests will be reviewed individually and approved only after thorough evaluation.
Reaffirming its regulatory stance, the Council stated that, except for institutions formally granted approval, no medical or dental college is authorized to charge more than the notified fee limit. Any excess amount already collected must be refunded to students or adjusted against future dues in the following academic year.
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