Key Takeaways
- University of Health Sciences (UHS) and Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) signed a MoU for a six-month CFM programme.
- The initiative aims to improve primary healthcare services through evidence-based clinical practice and emergency skills certification.
- Participants will undergo supervised training, interactive learning sessions, and internationally recognized emergency courses.
The University of Health Sciences (UHS) and the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly launch a six-month Certificate in Family Medicine (CFM) programme. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the clinical skills of general practitioners and improving primary healthcare services across Punjab.
The MoU was signed by Vice Chancellor of UHS, Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, and Chief Executive Officer of PHC, Dr. Muhammad Saqib Aziz, during a ceremony held at UHS. The programme will provide participants with comprehensive training in evidence-based clinical practice, supervised hands-on training, emergency skills certification, patient safety, quality improvement, and community-oriented healthcare delivery.
The six-month competency-based programme includes supervised clinical training at UHS-affiliated teaching hospitals and accredited healthcare facilities. Participants will also engage in interactive learning sessions, case-based discussions, workplace-based assessments, and clinical portfolio evaluation. Additionally, the course participants will undergo internationally recognized emergency skills certification courses such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), First Trauma Response (FTR), Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT), Neonatal Resuscitation Programme (NRP), and Emergency Obstetric Response and Maternal Life Support (EOR/MLS).
Under the MoU, UHS will develop the curriculum, conduct academic and clinical training, manage admissions and examinations, and award the Certificate in Family Medicine to successful participants. PHC will provide technical expertise in quality assurance, patient safety, clinical governance, infection prevention, and implementation of the PHC Regulatory Framework. The commission will also participate in faculty development and Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes.
The initiative aims to strengthen primary healthcare through evidence-based clinical practice, supervised hands-on training, emergency skills certification, patient safety, quality improvement, and community-oriented healthcare delivery. This collaboration is expected to improve the overall quality of primary healthcare services across Punjab by enhancing the clinical skills of general practitioners.
Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore stated, 'This MoU will significantly contribute to the development of competent and skilled general practitioners who can provide high-quality care to patients in their communities.' Dr. Muhammad Saqib Aziz added, 'We are committed to ensuring that our healthcare professionals are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective primary healthcare services.'
The CFM programme is expected to benefit a large number of general practitioners working across Punjab, thereby improving the quality of primary healthcare services in the region. The initiative aligns with the broader goals of the PHC to enhance the overall health outcomes of the population through improved access to quality healthcare.
'This MoU will significantly contribute to the development of competent and skilled general practitioners who can provide high-quality care to patients in their communities.'
Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Vice Chancellor, University of Health Sciences
'We are committed to ensuring that our healthcare professionals are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective primary healthcare services.'
Dr. Muhammad Saqib Aziz, Chief Executive Officer, Punjab Healthcare Commission
