Senate Committee Urges PMDC to Resolve College Fee Issue

PAKISTAN: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) faced mounting pressure from the Senate Standing Committee on Health over its failure to address the issue of exorbitant fees charged by private medical and dental colleges. During a meeting chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the PMDC’s inconclusive response regarding the reduction of fees, an issue that has been pending for several months.

The PMDC informed the committee that a report concerning fee regulation had been forwarded to a high-level committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. PMDC President Dr Rizwan Taj stated, “The report on fees of private medical colleges had been sent to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.” Despite this, the Senate body emphasized the need for immediate action, urging the regulatory authority to expedite the process.

Senator Chishti directed the PMDC to resolve the matter promptly, warning that any future complaints would hold the council accountable. This directive came amid growing concerns over the financial burden placed on students and their families due to unchecked fee hikes in private institutions.

Senators Criticize Exploitative Practices in Private Colleges

Several senators voiced strong criticism of the practices adopted by private medical colleges, labeling them as exploitative and unsustainable. Senator Palwasha Khan remarked, “It is unfortunate that private medical colleges are charging exorbitant fees. Private colleges have become a mafia.” She further urged the committee to ensure compliance with its earlier directive, stating, “The committee should ensure implementation of its direction that colleges should return the fees, collected in the year 2024, to the students.”

Senator Humayun Mohmand highlighted the staggering amounts being charged, noting that some institutions were demanding up to Rs3 million annually in tuition fees. He questioned the criteria used to justify such charges, stating, “Under what criteria are they charging such an amount?” Other members echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the lack of transparency and accountability in fee structures.

The committee also raised concerns about private colleges continuing to collect fees despite PMDC orders to halt the practice. Members stressed the importance of enforcing these directives, emphasizing that failure to do so undermined the credibility of the regulatory body.

PMDC Awaits Response from Deputy Prime Minister

Dr Rizwan Taj assured the committee that the PMDC was awaiting a response from Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s committee and reiterated the council’s commitment to implementing necessary measures once a decision was reached. “The council was waiting for a response from the deputy prime minister,” he said, adding that the PMDC would act promptly upon receiving guidance.

While the issue of fee regulation remains unresolved, the PMDC representatives provided updates on other matters during the meeting. They discussed changes being introduced to the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), aiming to address longstanding concerns about fairness and consistency.

MDCAT Reforms Aim to Enhance Transparency

Representatives from the PMDC outlined plans to overhaul the structure of the MDCAT, ensuring greater transparency and uniformity across the country. They explained, “The question paper of one candidate will not match with others. Moreover, there will be the same syllabus at the national level due to which controversy regarding out-of-syllabus question papers will end.”

These reforms aim to eliminate discrepancies and provide all candidates with an equal opportunity to compete for admission to medical and dental colleges. While the changes were welcomed as a step forward, the focus remained on resolving the pressing issue of fee regulation.

Conclusion

The Senate Standing Committee on Health has made it clear that the PMDC must take decisive action to address the issue of excessive fees in private medical and dental colleges. With mounting pressure from lawmakers and widespread public concern, the regulatory body faces a critical test in restoring trust and ensuring equitable access to medical education in Pakistan. As the PMDC awaits a response from Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s committee, stakeholders await tangible outcomes that prioritize the interests of students and uphold the integrity of the education system.