Government delays increase in fee of private sector medical colleges

Islamabad: The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) had recommended that the per annum fee of private sector medical colleges should be increased from Rs. 6, 42,000 to Rs. 8, 00,000. Though, the council had not shared any solid reason for this increase.

On the other hand, this proposal was rejected by the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination’s as they still had to hold the procedural formalities as well as exams before making any final decision.

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As per the details given by the officials, it is doubtful that the fee will increase and they will just come to a decision after they discuss with the sponsors.

The respective documents of the suggestion would be sent to the law division and cabinet after the backing of health ministry for approval.

On whatever changes the authorities will agree, will come into effect from 2018.

Read More: Medical & dental colleges asked to follow PMDC admission policy

New Fee structure For New Admissions

The council is stick on their claim saying that the fee for private sector medical colleges have not been increased over the years adding that the annual increase requires to be accounted for.

The increase has been put into effect for new admissions, along with the seven percent increase annually for the next five years.

Any private sector medical institute violating the new structure or asking for donations as well as gratifications would be fined for 20 million rupees or more while having 10 percent of their seats withdrew for the next 5 years.

Pakistan Medical Association’s (PMA) Concerns

The officials of Pakistan Medical Association on Tuesday said that the federal government and the Association of Private Medical and Dental institutes are behind this unique request, retrospectively, no such illogical increase in academic fee has ever happened.

Because of the weird influence of Federal Government as well as the Association of Private Medical and Dental Institutions, the PMA officials added:

“PMDC should be made an independent, autonomous as well as powerful body to enhance the failing standards of medical education in the country”.

They also stressed that this increase in yearly fee is being suggested just to authorize as well as benefit the private sector medical institutes.

The private zone wishes for the uninfluenced and independent authority over the medical practices in Pakistan.