The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has announced a new tuition pricing structure for MBBS and BDS programs nationwide, marking a significant step toward affordability in medical and dental education.

The ruling, which was made in compliance with Sections 20(7) and (8) of the PM&DC Act, 2022, sets a tuition cap of PKR 1.8 million each session for all private medical and dental schools, with a 5% rise due in 2025.

Tuition increases will be determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) starting in 2026.

The change is in accordance with the suggestions made by the Committee on Medical Education Reforms, which was instituted by the Prime Minister and presided over by the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. A larger endeavor to guarantee equity, openness, and increased access to medical education includes the program.

The difference must now be refunded or applied to future fees by institutions that have charged fees over the cap.

Additionally, the PM&DC demands thorough financial justifications from private universities wishing to charge up to PKR 2.5 million. When the criteria for these assessments are prepared, they will be made public.

Institutions that disregard the new structure will face penalties for their failure to comply with the strict compliance requirements.

For a timely resolution, the PM&DC has asked parents, students, and other interested parties to report any non-compliance through its official complaint portal.

The council attributed the success of this crucial reform to the joint efforts of PM&DC and the Pakistan Association of Medical Institutions (PAMI), which is led by the Deputy Prime Minister.

In Pakistan's continuous efforts to improve the sustainability and equity of medical and dental education, this action represents a major turning point.