14 Medical and Dental Colleges Face PM&DC Action

Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) President Dr Rizwan Taj on Monday informed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health that 14 medical and dental colleges have received PM&DC show cause notices for charging excessive fees from students.

Dr Rizwan added that the registration of these colleges could be cancelled if violations continue. He also said a detailed list of the colleges will soon be shared with the committee for further scrutiny.

The meeting was chaired by MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani and attended by MNAs including Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms Sabheen Ghoury, Ms Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Ms Farah Naz Akbar, Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Dr Darshan, Ms Aliya Kamran, Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Ms Shaista Khan, and Syed Rafiullah. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal was also present.

At the start of the session, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro raised concerns about exorbitant fees, pointing out that some colleges were charging well above the Rs1.8 million cap. Dr Rizwan confirmed that the council had taken action by issuing the PM&DC show cause notices and the matter will also be referred to the committee.

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal clarified that while rules allow colleges to increase fees, they must provide valid reasons. Out of 188 medical and dental colleges in Pakistan, 122 are private. He also announced a national-level survey to review fee structures, noting that most notices have been issued to colleges in Islamabad.

PM&DC official Dr Rehan Naqvi confirmed that 14 colleges have received the PM&DC show cause notices, reinforcing the council’s commitment to regulating fees and ensuring compliance nationwide.