Islamabad, Nov 29: The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has introduced Pakistan’s first-ever five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree program.
This change was approved during a syndicate meeting chaired by UHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore.
Previously, BDS programs in Pakistan lasted four years, unlike the five-year structure followed in countries such as the USA and UK, which sometimes left Pakistani graduates needing additional qualifications to meet international standards. This alignment with global benchmarks will enhance the recognition of Pakistani dental degrees worldwide.
Key Decisions Made:
- Curriculum Updates: The 3.0 version of the modular, integrated MBBS curriculum for 2023 was approved, along with skill-based life-saving short courses in BDS, pharmacy, nursing, and allied health programs, expected to benefit around 150,000 students annually.
- Faculty Appointments: New faculty members, including Dr. Uruj Zehra (Professor of Anatomy) and Dr. Sumaira Ehsan (Associate Professor of Medical Education), were appointed across various fields, including forensic medicine, hematology, and public health.
- Regulations and Frameworks: The 2024 Regulations for MS, MD, and MDS Level III and IV programs were approved, with plans to expand UHS offerings to include Level IV programs conducted by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP).
- Institutional Affiliation: Nursing programs at the Continental Institute of Nursing and the PKLI Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences were affiliated with UHS, allowing graduates to earn UHS degrees.
- Expanded Seat Capacity: Akhtar Saeed Dental College increased its seat capacity from 50 to 75.
The syndicate also focused on standardizing nursing education, revisiting agreements between nursing colleges and hospitals, and urging private nursing institutions to offer student stipends similar to those in public colleges. Administrative matters, such as provisional registration for postgraduate residents and amendments to UHS Service Statutes 2005, were also discussed.
This initiative represents a significant step in enhancing the quality and global recognition of Pakistan’s healthcare education system.
