PM forms committee to resolve fee dispute between PMDC and private medical colleges

In an effort to defuse escalating tensions between the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and private medical colleges, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved formation of a high-powered committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

The move comes amid a prolonged dispute over fee ceilings, regulatory powers and show-cause notices issued to institutions allegedly charging students above approved limits.

According to the Federal Ministry of National Health Services, the committee will examine concerns raised by the Pakistan Association of Private Medical and Dental Institutions (PAMI). The controversy sharpened after the PMDC revised its fee policy, fixing annual tuition for private medical colleges between Rs 1.89 million and Rs 2.5 million, and requiring colleges to justify any increase. Several institutions received notices for non-compliance, prompting PAMI to challenge the PMDC’s decision in court and accuse the regulator of “undue interference.”

An official notification seen by 24NewsHD TV confirms that the committee includes Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, PLKI Chairman Dr Saeed Akhtar, Major General (retd) Azhar Kayani, the Health Secretary, the PMDC President and representatives of PAMI. The Health Ministry will provide secretariat support, and the committee has been directed to submit its findings within 10 days.

Sources say the prime minister intervened directly as both sides hardened their positions, creating uncertainty ahead of the upcoming admissions cycle. PAMI maintains that regulatory overreach has affected admissions, accreditation processes and fee structures, while PMDC insists it is acting strictly within the law to protect students from excessive financial burdens.

The committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of PAMI’s grievances, reassessing accreditation and admission criteria, and determining whether adjustments are needed in the existing regulatory framework. It will also evaluate the rationale behind fee hikes and the enforcement mechanisms employed by PMDC.

Health officials say the Prime Minister seeks a balanced solution—one that maintains merit, transparency, and affordability for students while allowing private institutions to operate without unnecessary constraints. Whether the committee delivers a long-term resolution or a temporary détente will become clear once its recommendations are released.

Stakeholders across the health and education sectors expect the report to shape the future direction of Pakistan’s medical education policy in the coming months.