The first five-year BDS program at the University of Health Sciences has been approved.

The first five-year BDS program at the University of Health Sciences has been approved.

The first-ever five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree program in Pakistan was launched by the University of Health Sciences (UHS). Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, the vice chancellor of UHS, presided over a syndicate meeting on Thursday where the decision was taken.

In contrast to the five-year format used in nations like the USA and UK, the BDS program in Pakistan used to last four years. Therefore, in order to match international standards, Pakistani graduates frequently required additional qualifications. This disparity is resolved and Pakistani dental degrees are more widely recognised when the program is aligned with international standards.

A number of important projects, such as curriculum changes, faculty appointments, and institutional linkages, were approved by the syndicate. Among the important choices were:

Curriculum Updates: The modular, integrated MBBS curriculum 3.0 edition for 2023 has been approved, along with skill-based, life-saving short courses in nursing, pharmacy, BDS, and allied health programs that should assist almost 150,000 students a year.
Appointments for Faculty: Dr. Sumaira Ehsan, an associate professor of medical education, Dr. Uruj Zehra, a professor of anatomy, and other professionals in the fields of nursing, forensic medicine, haematology, and public health were among the new hires.
Rules and Structures: With intentions to extend UHS offerings to Level IV programs run by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), the 2024 Regulations for MS, MD, and MDS Level III and IV programs were adopted.

Institutional Affiliation: The Continental Institute of Nursing and the PKLI Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences have partnered with UHS to offer nursing programs that allow their graduates to earn degrees from UHS.
Increased Seat Capacity: Akhtar Saeed Dental College now has 75 seats instead of just 50.

The syndicate also focused on standardising nursing education by reviewing hospital-nursing college agreements. It was recommended that private nursing schools provide student stipends on par with those of public universities.

Administrative issues were also discussed at the meeting, such as the acceptance of dormitory and student health facility regulations, modifications to the UHS Service Statutes of 2005, and the temporary registration of postgraduate residents at Punjab’s government hospitals (2023–2024). To supervise institutional affiliations, a three-person panel was established, and the vice chancellor had the power to choose committee chairs as required.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nadia Naseem, Registrar Kiran Fatima, and officials from Punjab’s specialised finance and healthcare departments were among the other attendees.