The government has set the maximum annual fee for private medical colleges in Pakistan at Rs. 2.1 million, according to information shared in the National Assembly.
Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal said private medical colleges cannot charge more than the approved fee limit or increase their fees independently.
Pakistan currently has around 22,000 medical college seats, with nearly 65% offered by private medical colleges and 35% by government institutions.
Fee Limit for Private Medical Colleges
Parliamentary Secretary Nelson Azeem said the government had initially fixed the annual fee at Rs. 1.8 million. However, 61 private medical colleges appealed against the decision.
After reviewing their requests, the relevant committee allowed 35 medical colleges to charge up to Rs. 2.1 million per year. The decision was based on factors including facilities, operating costs, and other expenses.
The remaining colleges will have to follow the applicable lower fee limit.
Students Can Report Excessive Fees
The government has also established a complaint portal for medical students and parents. Students can report colleges that charge fees beyond the approved limit.
Authorities have already issued notices to 45 medical colleges. Colleges that fail to justify their fees or meet tax requirements could face action.
Government Working to Increase Medical Seats
The government also said the shortage of medical seats is encouraging many Pakistani students to study medicine abroad. Pakistan is estimated to spend around $800 million every year on foreign medical education.
To address the issue, the government has placed a three-year moratorium on new private medical colleges. Public medical colleges, meanwhile, are being encouraged to increase their seats by expanding infrastructure and facilities.
The government says these measures are aimed at improving regulation of medical education, controlling fee increases, and increasing access to medical education within Pakistan.
