Comprehensive Review of Medical Education System Conducted by Governing Body

A thorough evaluation of the medical education system by the governing body is detailed in this review. It likely encompasses an in-depth analysis of curriculum, teaching methods, assessment practices, and overall quality assurance. The review may also address regulatory compliance, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. This comprehensive examination aims to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement within the medical education framework overseen by the governing body.

ISLAMABAD: The committee appointed by the Prime Minister to propose solutions for enhancing medical education quality and resolving issues faced by Pakistani students overseas reviewed the nation's medical education system on Friday. It identified crucial areas for improvement and aimed to align medical education with global standards.

The inaugural session of the "Committee on Medical Education" convened with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chairing the meeting. Attendees included Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, MNA Nafeesa Shah, Secretary Health, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), heads of notable public and private medical institutions, and respected experts from the medical field.

A press release issued post-meeting detailed the committee's thorough examination of Pakistan's medical education system, encompassing fee structures, and pinpointed pivotal areas for enhancement. The objective was to craft a strategic blueprint aligning medical education with global benchmarks.

The statement underscored the committee's specific attention to addressing challenges encountered by Pakistani medical students studying overseas and deliberated on means to bolster and empower students in their academic and professional journeys.

Following extensive deliberations, a sub-executive committee was formed with Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad appointed as Convener and Tariq Bajwa as Co-Convener. This sub-committee is tasked with refining existing Terms of Reference (TORs), exploring synergies among regulatory bodies, streamlining processes for foreign students in Pakistan, and ensuring uniformity in curricula.

The committee aims to compile a comprehensive report to ensure that medical graduates in Pakistan possess the requisite knowledge and skills to confront contemporary healthcare challenges and deliver optimal care to citizens.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar stressed the committee's crucial role in addressing gaps within the country's medical education system. He emphasized creating an enabling environment for medical students to excel and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector. Additionally, Dar emphasized the imperative of maintaining world-class standards in medical education nationwide, enhancing the regulatory framework, and establishing coordination mechanisms between medical institutions and the public and private sectors to ensure consistent, high-quality education.

This initiative, launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on May 20, 2024, in response to violence against Pakistani medical students in Kyrgyzstan, reflects the government's commitment to uplifting healthcare standards and providing top-tier medical training for future healthcare professionals.

Source: Business Recorder‍