The federal government has limited annual registration rates at RS1.8 million for MBBS and BDS programs in private medical and dental universities, said Express News.
The decision was taken by the Medical Education Reform Committee, formed in the Prime Minister’s Directive and chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
“The growing cost of registration in private institutions has long been a burden for students and their families,” said the statement. “This decision marks a significant step towards accessible and equitable medical education in Pakistan.”
The PMDC noted that the issue had been previously discussed in the council meetings held on June 4, 2022, on December 10, 2023 and February 23, 2024. In its most recent development, a subcommittee was formed chaired by Prof Dr. Masood Gondal on February 27, 2025.
The Committee hired interested parties, including private universities and the Association of Medical Institutions of Pakistan (PAMI) before presenting their final recommendations.
After a detailed financial analysis and an interested party consultation, the reform committee determined that RS1.8 million would be the standard annual registration fee for MBBS and BDS programs. The rate can be adjusted annually depending on the consumer price index (CPI).
PMDC clarified that the institutions that seek to charge more, up to a maximum of RS2.5 million per year, it would be required to present detailed financial justifications, including comparisons with similar institutions, services offered and academic improvements.
“Irrazonable or unjustified rate increases will not be interwoven,” said the Council, adding that all enrollment increases must be transparent and aligned with real educational costs.
“It is essential to maintain the financial viability of private institutions, but rates must remain reasonable and reflect real costs,” the statement concluded.
The reform is seen as an advance in the broader effort of the government to make quality health education affordable for low and medium -income environments students.
