Sindh Health Minister and Pro-Chancellor of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, has emphasized the urgent need to establish the Sindh Nursing Council and Sindh Health Research Institute to enhance healthcare services and research in the province. Speaking at the 6th Senate meeting of JSMU, Dr. Pechuho highlighted the importance of a dedicated research institute focused on health and allied health sciences, drawing data from Karachi’s tertiary hospitals to guide policy decisions.
The Health Minister also announced plans for an Institute of Allied Health Sciences, reflecting a commitment to expanding healthcare education. JSMU Vice Chancellor Professor AmjadSirajMemon supported these initiatives, adding that JSMU will establish a Faculty of Allied Health Sciences with a newly appointed Dean. He also outlined JSMU’s growing research programs, including new PhD offerings in Dental, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, and Public Health. The Senate approved budgets for 2022-2025 and audited accounts for 2020-2021, while also ratifying previous resolutions and addressing faculty hiring issues for affiliated teaching hospitals like JPMC and NICH.
A proposal to increase nursing student intake, supported by Dr. Pechuho, aims to address the province’s growing demand for nursing professionals. The Senate also nominated Dr. JabbarKhattak and Professor Mohsina Noor Ibrahim to the Finance and Planning Committee, while granting voting rights in JSMU’s Syndicate and Senate to contractual employees.
A new audit firm will be appointed from the State Bank of Pakistan’s approved list. Vice Chancellor Memon expressed gratitude for Dr. Pechuho’s ongoing support, praising her vision for healthcare education and research in Sindh.
