ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has officially set a maximum annual tuition fee of Rs1.89 million for MBBS and BDS programmes for the 2025–26 academic session, according to The News. The move comes after growing complaints from students and parents over excessive charges by private medical and dental institutions.
Strict Action Against Overcharging
In a notification issued on October 6, the PMDC announced that the base tuition fee for both MBBS and BDS programmes will remain Rs1.8 million, with a 5% permissible increase for the upcoming session. Any private institution charging beyond this limit will face severe penalties, including suspension of accreditation and legal action under Section 33 of the PMDC Act 2022.
The PMDC has also directed every private college to publicly display the approved fee structure at least three months before the admission process begins. Failure to comply or display higher fees will lead to strict enforcement actions.
Inflation-Based Fee Adjustments from 2026–27
Starting from the 2026–27 academic session, annual tuition increases will be linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, as proposed by the Medical Education Committee formed by the prime minister. This mechanism aims to ensure that future adjustments remain transparent and consistent with national inflation trends.
PMDC Responds to Complaints
A senior PMDC official said the decision followed repeated complaints from students and parents about exploitation by private colleges through hidden or inflated charges.
“The Council has taken a firm stance to protect students from commercialisation in medical education. The Rs1.8 million cap ensures fairness and accessibility,” the official stated.
Officials from the federal health ministry confirmed that the policy was developed in consultation with the Medical Education Committee and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C).
Government Backs Transparency Drive
According to sources, the Prime Minister’s Office had also received multiple complaints from parliamentarians about private colleges demanding excessive fees under various categories such as lab, library, and hostel charges. Lawmakers had raised concerns in the Senate Standing Committee on Health, urging the PMDC to bring transparency and affordability to medical education.
Public Access and Complaint Mechanism
The notification has been circulated to all recognised private medical institutions, affiliating universities, provincial health departments, and the Secretary of NHSR&C for enforcement. PMDC’s IT and media departments have also been instructed to upload the updated fee structure on the official website to ensure public awareness.
Students and parents who are overcharged can file complaints directly via the PMDC complaint portal at pmdc.pk/ContactUs/Complaint.
About The Truth International
The Truth International (TTI), headquartered in Islamabad, is a dynamic private organization engaged in research, analysis, and media production. TTI undertakes diverse research projects and operates a comprehensive media network that includes a fortnightly magazine, an interactive news website, an informative YouTube channel, and active social media pages across all major platforms.
Stay informed, stay engaged — stay connected with The Truth International.
