The Punjab Health Department’s recent decision to significantly increase the entry test fee for postgraduate medical programs has sparked widespread concern among medical professionals. The fee for taking the MS and MD entrance exams has surged to Rs. 10,000, representing a 66% increase from the previous rate of Rs. 6,000. This change was approved following an inter-university board meeting, and King Edward Medical University will now oversee the administration of these tests.
READ MORE: Torrential Rain Halts Life in Rawalpindi
Many in the medical community have criticized the hike as harsh, especially in light of the current economic challenges. Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has voiced strong opposition to the increased fee for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). KP’s Minister for Higher Education, Meena Khan Afridi, has formally requested that the fee be reduced. In a letter addressed to PMDC President Professor Dr. Riazuddin, Afridi highlighted that the fee had risen from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 8,000, despite the actual cost per candidate being only between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 2,000.
