The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has once again failed to establish a fixed tuition fee for private medical and dental colleges for the 2024-25 academic session. During a crucial meeting on Thursday, the council decided to reassess the proposed fee structures submitted by private institutions before making a final decision.
Divided Council and Legal Limitations
A PMDC Council member, speaking to The News, disclosed that despite recommendations from a specialized committee, the council remained divided on setting a maximum tuition fee for private institutions. The committee had suggested capping the annual fee at Rs1.2 million, but the proposal was not approved. The primary point of contention was the legal standing of such a decision, as the PMDC Act does not explicitly authorize the council to regulate tuition fees for private institutions.
Legal experts at the meeting reinforced this perspective, stating that private medical colleges are only required to inform PMDC about their fee structures before the commencement of an academic session. Therefore, any attempt to impose a fee cap would require an amendment to the existing regulations.
Opposition from Private Institutions
Anticipating a possible fee regulation, the Pakistan Association of Private Medical and Dental Institutions (PAMI) had already voiced its concerns. In a formal letter to PMDC, PAMI strongly opposed any imposed fee structure, arguing that private institutions should have the autonomy to set their own tuition fees without external interference.
Currently, private medical and dental colleges in Pakistan charge tuition fees ranging between Rs2.5 million and Rs3 million annually, a financial strain on students and their families. The proposed fee cap of Rs1,212,468 aimed to prevent excessive financial burdens, but without a conclusive decision, private institutions continue to operate with their existing structures.
Future Course of Action
To address these concerns, the PMDC Council has directed its committee to conduct a thorough review of the fee structures within a week. The review will assess whether the current fees are justified based on the services and facilities provided by private institutions.
Despite ongoing deliberations, the uncertainty surrounding tuition fees remains a pressing issue for aspiring medical and dental students. Until a resolution is reached, students and parents remain at the mercy of private institutions, with limited financial relief in sight.
The PMDC’s failure to finalize a maximum tuition fee raises concerns about affordability and accessibility in medical education, and whether future regulatory measures will prioritize students’ interests or cater to institutional autonomy remains to be seen.