KMDC Faces Backlash Over Drastic MBBS and BDS Fee Hike

PAKISTAN: The Karachi Medical and Dental College (KMDC) has announced an extraordinary fee hike of over 150% for MBBS and BDS programs. The decision, approved by the KMDC’s governing body led by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, has raised concerns among students and the medical community.

Notification Confirms Substantial Fee Changes

The fee adjustments were confirmed through a notification issued by Dr. Nargis Anjum, the principal of KMDC. The new fees apply to various categories, impacting admission fees, tuition, library fees, student activity/social fees, and introducing development charges, laboratory fees, and IT fees.

According to the notification, the open merit admission fee has surged from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000. Tuition and library fees have experienced significant spikes from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 117,600 and Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 10,000, respectively. Student activity/social fees now stand at Rs. 10,000, up from Rs. 8,000. Additionally, new charges include a development fee of Rs. 30,000, a laboratory fee of Rs. 10,000, and an IT fee of Rs. 5,000.

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Massive Increases for Merit and Self-Financing Seats

The merit seat fee has skyrocketed to Rs. 268,600, marking a substantial increase from Rs. 101,500 in the previous academic year. The self-financing section has also witnessed a staggering rise, with the admission fee reaching Rs. 100,000 compared to Rs. 20,000 last year. Tuition fees for self-financing seats have doubled from Rs. 600,000 to Rs. 1.2 million.

Transportation fees have seen a notable hike from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 36,000. Notably, self-financing seats, which were priced at Rs. 651,500 last year, now demand a hefty Rs. 1,421,000.

Backlash and Concerns

The abrupt and substantial fee increases have sparked backlash from students, parents, and the wider community. Critics argue that such a drastic escalation in fees could pose significant barriers to accessing medical education, potentially limiting opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals.

As the news of the fee hike circulates, many are calling on KMDC authorities for clarification on the rationale behind such drastic increases. The controversy raises questions about the affordability of medical education and the potential impact on the diversity of students entering the field. KMDC is yet to respond to the growing concerns, leaving many anxiously awaiting further developments in this unfolding situation.

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