Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's medical graduates face severe job shortages despite high enrollment and debt.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 20 medical and 11 dental colleges graduate nearly 2,900 doctors yearly, far exceeding limited government job openings. High tuition fees, especially in private colleges, leave many students in debt, while only a small fraction secure public sector roles—81% failed a recent national medical officer exam. Most graduates take low-paying private jobs under probation, earning Rs 40,000 to Rs 75,000 monthly. Experts warn that expanding enrollment and lowering entry standards could worsen unemployment and healthcare quality, urging the government to halt new colleges, improve training, and align education with actual workforce needs.