Maximum Annual Fee for Private Medical Colleges Set at Rs. 2.1 Million
The National Assembly has been informed that Pakistan currently has around 22,000 medical college seats, with approximately 65% offered by private institutions and 35% by government colleges.
Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal said private medical colleges are not allowed to charge more than Rs. 2.1 million per year and cannot increase fees independently.
Fee Structure for Private Medical Colleges
Parliamentary Secretary Nelson Azeem said the government had initially set the annual fee at Rs. 1.8 million. However, 61 medical colleges challenged the decision and requested a review.
After examining their cases, the relevant committee allowed 35 institutions to charge fees of up to Rs. 2.1 million annually, based on their facilities and operating expenses.
The government has also introduced a complaint portal where students and parents can report concerns regarding medical college fees.
Azeem said authorities had issued notices to 45 medical colleges and would take action against institutions that fail to justify their fee structure or comply with applicable tax requirements.
Limited Medical Seats Remain a Concern
Mustafa Kamal also highlighted the limited availability of medical education seats in Pakistan.
According to the minister, the shortage of seats has encouraged many Pakistani students to pursue medical education abroad, resulting in an estimated $800 million in annual spending on overseas medical education.
To address the issue, the government has imposed a three-year moratorium on the establishment of new private medical colleges.
At the same time, government medical institutions are working to increase their capacity by expanding infrastructure and adding more seats.
The government says the measures are aimed at improving transparency in medical college fees while gradually expanding opportunities for students seeking medical education in Pakistan.
