The federal government of Pakistan has announced to take action against all those medical colleges that are charging excessive fees to students.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Health has reviewed concerns over excessive fees charged by private medical colleges, vacant seats and the performance of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
During the meeting, committee chairman Mahesh Kumar Malani and other members raised concerns over additional fees being charged by private medical colleges and the failure of some institutions to fill their allocated seats, even after lowering merit requirements.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said medical colleges could not increase fees at their own discretion. He said 61 colleges had applied for fee increases, but only 35 that met the required criteria were granted permission.
The PMDC president told the committee that notices had been issued to medical colleges found charging fees above the permitted limit. He also said the number of seats at government medical colleges had been increased.
The committee was also briefed on reforms in the nursing sector. Officials said the inspection of nursing colleges and the complaints-handling system were being fully digitised to improve transparency and monitoring.
Committee members stressed the need for stronger oversight of medical education, fee structures and student-related issues.
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US opens job opportunities for nurses in Pakistan
The United States (US) has opened a number of job opportunities for nurses in Pakistan.
The US authorities have provided new opportunities for Pakistani nurses and other healthcare professionals to pursue employment, further education and professional development in the US under a proposed cooperation agreement between Pakistan and the US.
The American Pakistan Education Foundation and the Pakistan Education Foundation are set to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in nursing education, healthcare workforce development and professional training.
Under the proposed agreement, the two organisations will work to help qualified Pakistani nurses and other healthcare professionals access professional opportunities in the US.
The cooperation is expected to include support for education, professional preparation, training, licensing and meeting other qualification requirements.
The initiative will also seek to develop links with US hospitals, healthcare systems, nursing institutions, educational organisations and professional bodies, potentially creating more opportunities for Pakistani-trained healthcare workers to work internationally.
The Pakistan Education Foundation has already launched a programme to help Pakistani registered nurses prepare for the NCLEX, the licensing examination required for nurses seeking to practise in the US.
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