The Pakistani government has taken a significant step to regulate the soaring costs of medical and dental education by introducing a cap on the fees charged by private institutions, sources confirmed. This decision comes in response to concerns that the high cost of education is placing an immense financial burden on students and their families.
Reports indicate that some private medical and dental colleges charge up to Rs. 3.5 million per year, making it extremely difficult for aspiring doctors and dentists to afford quality education. To tackle this issue, the government is working on finalizing a new fee structure that will set a maximum limit lower than the current rates. This move is aimed at making medical education more accessible to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Government officials highlighted that the primary goal of this decision is to prevent unregulated fee hikes, which have been a persistent problem in the sector. Authorities have already completed consultations regarding the proposed fee cap, and an official announcement is expected in the coming days. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that quality education remains within reach for all deserving students.
Earlier this year, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) had taken steps to control fee collection by private institutions. The council had issued directives instructing colleges to halt fee collection based on recommendations from the Senate’s Health Sub-Committee.
In addition, the government imposed a temporary ban on fee collection until the Medical Education Committee, headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, submitted its recommendations. This committee was formed under the directives of the Prime Minister to thoroughly review the issue and propose a balanced fee structure that ensures fairness for both students and educational institutions. The upcoming announcement is expected to provide much-needed relief to students aspiring to pursue medical and dental education in Pakistan.
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