The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has once again made it clear that medical and dental colleges charging fees beyond the approved cap will have to return the extra amount or adjust it in the next academic year. The assurance came during an interactive media briefing held in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The meeting was chaired by PM&DC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, along with Registrar Dr. Rehan Asghar Naqvi. Addressing journalists, the council leadership shared updates on fee regulation, student welfare, and steps being taken to ensure colleges follow official policies.
During the discussion, media representatives raised concerns that despite repeated notices, some private medical and dental colleges are still charging students more than the approved fee limit. Acknowledging the issue, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj said the council is closely monitoring all institutions and will not tolerate violations.
He stressed that access to quality medical education should not depend on a student’s financial strength or social background.
“Every deserving student has the right to fair and standard education,” he said, adding that PM&DC has repeatedly advised parents and students not to pay any amount beyond the approved cap.
The PM&DC president informed the media that show-cause notices have already been issued to 12 medical and dental colleges found violating the fee policy. However, he noted that some of these institutions have challenged the action in courts, making the matter sub judice for now.
Despite ongoing legal proceedings, Prof. Dr. Rizwan shared that an understanding has been reached with the Pakistan Association of Medical Institutions (PAMI). Under this agreement, colleges are expected to withdraw litigation and provide relief to affected students.
He further disclosed that a follow-up meeting with PAMI is scheduled for later this month. In that meeting, institutions seeking an increase in fees up to a maximum of Rs2.5 million, will be required to submit detailed financial records. Any request for enhancement will be assessed through a proper valuation process and approved only after careful scrutiny by PM&DC.
