The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has issued show-cause notices to 14 private medical colleges accused of overcharging students beyond the approved annual fee limit of Rs. 1.8 to 2.5 million. Reports revealed that some colleges were demanding as much as Rs. 3 to 4 million per year.
The revelation came during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health, where lawmakers strongly criticized the PMDC for its failure to monitor private institutions and prevent exploitation of students and parents.
Committee Chairman Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani demanded full transparency from the council, urging it to publicly release the names of violators, the dates of notices issued, and updates on disciplinary proceedings. He stressed that institutions found guilty should face strict penalties, including heavy fines or cancellation of registration.
Initially, PMDC President refrained from disclosing the names of the colleges, drawing criticism from committee members. However, Registrar Dr. Rehan Naqvi later read out the list after consulting official records and assured lawmakers that disciplinary action would follow against all non-compliant institutions.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal acknowledged that fee manipulation is a persistent issue across the country. He announced a nationwide verification survey—starting in Islamabad—to examine actual admission fees and ensure compliance with PMDC regulations. “Any college charging beyond the approved limit will have to justify its actions before this committee,” he warned.
Lawmakers highlighted that of Pakistan’s 188 medical colleges, 122 are privately owned, urging the PMDC to adopt a proactive regulatory approach. They cautioned that unchecked fee hikes were turning MBBS admissions into a “bidding war,” making medical education increasingly inaccessible for deserving students.
