SHC moved against medical college charging fees in dollars
PMDC says the whole purpose of the NRE is to test the competency, knowledge, and skills of a graduate to ensure they are a ‘safe doctor’. PHOTO: REUTERS
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has sought replies from the college administration, PMDC, and others on a petition filed against Dow International Medical College for charging fees in US dollars from local students. Appearing before a twomember bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi, the petitioner’s counsel argued that Dow International Medical College is charging fees in US dollars from local students, placing an undue financial burden on them due to the escalating value of the greenback against the Pakistani rupee.
Justice Abbasi expressed concern, stating, “What is going on? Students are being forced to pay fees in US dollars.” The bench questioned the additional advocate general (AAG) about whether it is the university’s role to earn dollars. The AAG responded, stating that the decision to collect fees in US dollars from local students has been made by the university syndicate, which is an independent body.
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The petitioner’s counsel contended that students who refuse to pay in dollars are coerced into paying fees based on the market value of the US dollar, often being pressurised to buy the American currency in the black market. The bench asked the petitioner’s counsel about the presence of foreign students in the university. The counsel clarified that the university has applied the same fee policy to both local and foreign students. The bench summoned a reply from the Dow International Medical College, PMDC, and other relevant parties by Nov 27 before adjourning the proceedings.