KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA)-Centre has strongly condemned recent government decisions concerning private medical college tuition fees and mandated free treatment beds.

In a statement, the association stated these decisions represent a grave injustice to aspiring medical professionals and the general public, effectively legalizing exorbitant fees and diminishing access to essential healthcare.

It pointed out that the Supreme Court’s initial intervention, which increased tuition fees to Rs950,000 was already a cause for concern.

“However, the subsequent allowance of fees ranging up to Rs2.5m with a five percent annual increase, is nothing short of legalised exploitation,” it said, adding that this decision effectively placed an unbearable financial burden on students and their families.

Demanding its immediate reversal, the association said: “We firmly believe that medical education should be accessible to all meritorious students, regardless of their financial background. The current fee structure will inevitably create a system where only the affluent can pursue a career in medicine, exacerbating the existing healthcare disparities.”

The association demanded restoration of the original fee structure of Rs950,000 per annum, with a maximum annual increase of five per cent.

“We demand that all private medical colleges implement a mandatory 15pc merit-based scholarship programme to ensure that deserving students are not denied access to medical education due to financial constraints. We vehemently condemn the reduction of mandatory free treatment beds from 50pc to 30pc percent. This reduction severely compromises the provision of healthcare to the underprivileged. We demand the immediate restoration of the 50 percent quota.

“The government decision is a direct assault on the right to healthcare, particularly for the most vulnerable segments of our society. This decision prioritizes profit over the fundamental principles of medical ethics and social responsibility,” it added.

The association called upon all relevant authorities, including the Supreme Court, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to immediately rectify these unjust decisions.

“We urge them to prioritise the interests of students and the public over the profiteering motives of private institutions. We will not stand idly while the future of medical education and healthcare is being ruined. We are prepared to take necessary measures, including legal action and public mobilization, to achieve these demands,” the association warned.-

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2025