Pakistan’s first-ever MS Stroke Intervention (Level-IV) degree programme will be launched in Punjab, a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing advanced stroke treatment and neuro-interventional healthcare services.
The decision was taken during the 43rd meeting of the Academic Council of the University of Health Sciences (UHS) held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore.
The new programme trains specialists in interventional neuroradiology and endovascular stroke management, meeting the growing demand for experts to support the establishment of Comprehensive Stroke Centres across Punjab as part of the provincial government’s healthcare reforms.
The specialised degree will equip physicians with advanced skills in catheter-based procedures used to treat acute ischemic stroke and other cerebrovascular conditions, helping improve emergency stroke care and patient survival rates across the province.
Speaking at the meeting, Prof Rathore noted that the launch of the MS Stroke Intervention programme would help ensure the availability of highly trained professionals capable of delivering modern, evidence-based treatment at Comprehensive Stroke Centres throughout the province.
During the meeting, the Academic Council also approved the curriculum for the new MS Stroke Intervention programme, along with PhD programmes in Nursing, Public Health, Oral Biology and Medical Education. Members endorsed a revised semester-based curriculum for the Master’s in Health Professions Education (MHPE) and approved a six-month Certificate in Comprehensive Family Medicine Practice and Emergency Care (CCFP-EC), aimed at strengthening the clinical and emergency care skills of general practitioners.
To promote research and higher education, the council also approved five new PhD programmes in Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Technology and Oral Biology. The programmes are intended to produce qualified researchers while addressing Pakistan’s increasing healthcare and academic requirements.
In addition, approval was granted for six research-focused certificate programmes covering subjects such as research methodology, laboratory research techniques, biostatistics, clinical epidemiology, evidence-based medicine, clinical trials management, grant writing, research communication, innovation, translational research, research ethics and bioethics. A Certificate in Quality Management for Clinical Laboratories and Blood Banking was also introduced to strengthen standards in laboratory medicine.
The council further approved updated curricula for six postgraduate Level-II diploma programmes, including Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical Radiology, Anaesthesiology, Psychological Medicine, Ophthalmic Medicine and Surgery, and Child Health, aligning them with current national and international educational standards.
Among other decisions, the Academic Council endorsed amendments to the regulations governing MS, MD and MDS Level-III and Level-IV programmes to standardise continuous internal assessment and strengthen the exit examination process. It also made participation in at least three national and one international conference or seminar a mandatory requirement for PhD scholars before the award of their doctoral degrees.
