Medical College Fees Capped at Rs2.1 Million, NA Told

The National Assembly was told on Tuesday that medical college fees cannot exceed Rs2.1 million at private institutions. The government also outlined measures to regulate charges and protect students from excessive costs.Around 22,000 medical seats are available across Pakistan. Private institutions account for 65 percent of these seats, while government colleges offer 35 percent.

Government Tightens Fee Regulation

Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal said private colleges cannot increase fees independently. He said authorities address complaints against private institutions promptly.Parliamentary Secretary Nelson Azeem said a government committee initially set the annual fee at Rs1.8 million. However, 61 colleges challenged the decision and submitted documents supporting their higher charges.

The committee reviewed their appeals and approved higher fees for 35 institutions. Those colleges can now charge up to Rs2.1 million.

The government has also launched a complaint portal for students and parents. Officials have issued notices to 45 institutions over fees and tax-related concerns.Azeem said colleges must follow the approved fee structure. Another committee will take action against institutions that fail to follow the rules.

Meanwhile, around 96,000 students passed the MDCAT last year. However, only about 22,000 gained admission to medical colleges.Mustafa Kamal said limited seats push many Pakistani students towards foreign institutions. He noted that students spend around $800 million in foreign exchange on overseas medical education.

M-6 Funding and Layyah Flood Threat

Mustafa Kamal said students often travel to Central Asian countries for medical education. The PMDC has published a list of recognised foreign institutions for guidance.He also said the government has imposed a three-year moratorium on new private medical colleges. Government colleges can still increase seats as they expand infrastructure.

Meanwhile, PPPP leader Sharmila Farooqi demanded more federal funds for the Sukkur-Hyderabad M-6 Motorway. She said the project needs around Rs40 billion to move forward.Farooqi questioned the difference in federal funding between Sindh and Punjab. She urged the government to refer the matter to the relevant standing committee.Separately, the National Assembly referred concerns over river erosion in Layyah to a standing committee. Water Resources Minister Muhammad Mueen Wattoo said authorities remained alert amid high water flows.He assured lawmakers that officials would address unpaid compensation claims. The minister also agreed to provide further details to the committee.