{
  "id": 3260700,
  "title": "Private medical colleges barred from charging over Rs2.1m without approval: Mustafa Kamal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/private-medical-colleges-barred-from-charging-over-rs2-1m-without",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T05:09:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Express Tribune - Pakistan",
    "slug": "the-express-tribune-pakistan",
    "url": "https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625773/private-medical-colleges-barred-from-charging-over-rs21m-without-approval-mustafa-kamal"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Health Minister Mustafa Kamal announced on Tuesday that the government has capped annual fees at private medical colleges at Rs2.1 million, with institutions barred from charging more without approval. The move aims to tighten oversight of medical education costs. Responding to a Calling Attention Notice during the National Assembly session, Kamal said a committee led by the prime minister had reviewed medical college fees and established a standard fee structure. Private medical colleges account for 65% of the country's 22,000 medical seats, while the remaining 35% are in government institutions. Initially, the committee fixed the fee at Rs1.8 million per student; however, some colleges challenged the decision, claiming they offered better facilities and faced higher expenses. Of the 61 medical colleges that submitted appeals with relevant documents, 35 had their cases justified, allowing them to charge Rs2.1 million. A portal was set up for students and parents to submit complaints against medical colleges, and 45 institutions were issued notices for failing to submit taxes or justify their fees. Kamal emphasized that private medical colleges must adhere to the fee structure determined by the committee. Another committee has been formed to take action against institutions that do not implement the decisions. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council published a list of recognized foreign medical colleges to help students make informed choices abroad. Many Pakistani students go abroad for medical education, spending around $800 million in foreign exchange. The government has imposed a three-year moratorium on new private medical colleges, excluding government institutions. Private medical colleges currently account for 65% of the roughly 22,000 students admitted to medical colleges each year. The government is facilitating students through government-recognized seats, and doctors who have qualified abroad must pass a PMDC test before practicing in Pakistan to ensure patient protection and meet required standards.",
  "summary": "Health minister tells NA that around 96,000 students passed MDCAT last year",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}