Medical, dental colleges continue charging above PMDC-approved fees despite fresh notification: Reports
ISLAMABAD: A number of medical and dental colleges across Pakistan continue to charge tuition fees well above the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC)–approved limits, even as the regulator has once again reminded all stakeholders that the maximum tuition fee for new MBBS and BDS admissions for the 2025-26 academic session has been fixed at PKR 1.89 million, reflecting a 5 percent increase over last year’s PKR 1.8 million fee.
The clarification comes amid growing concern from students and parents, many of whom say that private institutions are demanding significantly higher amounts under various heads, despite clear regulatory instructions from the PMDC.
PMDC reiterates fee structure for two academic years
According to the official PMDC notification, issued on the recommendations of the Medical Education Committee constituted by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the tuition fee for session 2024-25 was fixed at PKR 1.8 million, inclusive of all ancillary charges. For session 2025-26, the council approved a 5 percent increase, setting the maximum fee at PKR 1.89 million, again inclusive of all charges.
The notification categorically states that medical and dental colleges are not authorized to charge any fee exceeding the approved amount and advises students and parents not to pay beyond the notified limits.
Parents, students narrate a different reality
Despite the regulator’s position, parents and students paint a starkly different picture. A report published by The News highlighted complaints from families alleging that several private medical colleges are charging fees well above the PMDC-approved limits, often ranging between PKR 2.5 million to over PKR 3.5 million per year, through additional and unexplained charges.
Many families say they feel helpless, fearing that refusal to comply with unlawful demands could jeopardize their children’s admissions in an already highly competitive medical education system.
Similar concerns have also surfaced on social media platforms and student forums, where aspirants and parents question the effectiveness of fee regulation and enforcement, alleging that violations continue openly.
PMDC warning on enhanced fees, compliance
In its notification, the PMDC states that only colleges specifically approved for enhanced fees will be allowed to charge above the standard limit, and that the approved list of such institutions will be uploaded separately on the PMDC website as and when approved.
However, no such list is currently available on the PMDC website, even as multiple institutions are reportedly charging higher fees under the very nose of the regulator. Critics argue that the absence of publicly available enforcement data has emboldened colleges to continue questionable practices.
Concerns over enforcement, regulatory oversight
Education analysts and parent groups say the issue is no longer about policy clarity but about enforcement. They argue that repeated notifications without visible accountability measures risk rendering PMDC regulations ineffective.
While the PMDC advises aggrieved parties to report violations through its official complaint portal, parents say the lack of timely action and transparency has eroded confidence in the complaint mechanism.
Students urged to report violations
The PMDC has reiterated that any violation of the notified fee structure may be reported through its official Complaint Portal, warning that non-compliant institutions may face regulatory action under the PMDC Act.
As admissions for the new academic session open, students and parents are now looking toward the regulator for concrete action rather than reminders—seeking assurance that medical education in Pakistan will not remain hostage to unchecked commercial practices.
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