The Punjab Health Department has caused a major stir in the medical field by raising the entry test fee for postgraduate medical programs.
Future doctors will need to pay a substantial Rs 10,000 for the MS and MD entrance exams, a 66% increase from the old fee of Rs 6,000.
The announcement regarding the increase in fees was made after receiving approval at the inter-university board meeting. As per the new guidelines, King Edward Medical University will conduct the entrance exams for different programs.
The significant rise in fees is happening as inflation is already putting a lot of pressure on many families. Healthcare providers have voiced their worries, describing the increase in fees as “harsh” considering the ongoing economic struggles.
The hefty fee hike has raised concerns about its impact on aspiring doctors. Many are worried that the increased financial burden will deter qualified candidates from pursuing higher education in the medical field.