HEALTH

In a major development regarding medical education in Pakistan, the Special Committee on Medical Education, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, has recommended capping the annual tuition fees of private medical colleges at Rs 1.8 million, with annual adjustments based on inflation.
The decision, taken during the committee’s fifth meeting, follows extensive consultations on fee regulation and rationalization in private medical institutions. The move aims to prevent excessive tuition hikes and ensure affordability for aspiring medical students.
Fee Structure and Adjustments
According to the official announcement, private medical colleges already charging below this ceiling will maintain their current fee levels, with controlled annual increases linked to inflation. This approach ensures that students currently enrolled in lower-fee institutions are not burdened with sudden tuition hikes.
The government’s decision comes amid concerns over the rising cost of medical education, which has made it difficult for many students to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors. The new policy seeks to strike a balance between ensuring financial sustainability for medical institutions and preventing excessive costs for students.
Medical students and their families have welcomed the move, while private institutions may need to restructure their financial models to comply with the new regulations. Further details on implementation and enforcement mechanisms are expected in the coming weeks.