LAHORE – Medical professionals in Pakistan are already facing difficult challenges, and entrance fees in postgraduate programs are being jacked up.
The surge in entrance fees for postgraduate medical programs like MS, and MD will burden medical aspirants financially, deterring them from further specialisation.
The unpopular move will also limit access for those from lower-income backgrounds, cut diversity in medical fields, and lead to shortages of specialists. As a result, the quality of healthcare could be affected.
Entrance Test Fee increased for Doctors
The entry test fee for MS and MD postgraduate medical programs has been jacked up to Rs10,000 by Punjab Health Department. Previously, the fee was Rs6,000.
King Edward Medical University will manage the new tests for postgraduate exams. The surge, announced after an inter-university board meeting, garnered criticism from medical professionals who view it as harsh given current economic difficulties.
MDCAT Fee 2024
Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) also jacked up MDCAT fee from Rs6,000 to Rs8,000, to cover rising administration costs.
With over 200,000 candidates expected, PMDC projects to collect over Rs1.6 billion. International students will pay Rs40,000. The fee hike has sparked concern among students and parents, but PMDC argues it’s necessary for maintaining test quality.
