Varsities barred from offering clinical degrees sans permission

HEC asks universities to stop programmes involving clinical applications

ISLAMABAD:

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has warned universities not to offer undergraduate degree programmes involving clinical applications without prior permission from the regulatory body.

“The HEC has noted with grave concern that some universities, without consultation of relevant professional bodies and the HEC, have launched diplomas and degree programmes in disciplines involving clinical applications including but not limited to dermatology, dermal sciences, aesthetics, cosmetology, radiology, ophthalmology, anaesthesia, cardiology, hemodialysis and neuro-physiology at the undergraduate level,” it said in a press release issued here on Thursday.

“For grant of permission for the launch of programmes with clinical application, the universities will be required to submit proof of provision of in-scope diploma/degree programme in their act/charter, statutory approval for the launch of the in-scope programme, report of the market survey conducted for respective programme, details of consultations made with stakeholders, particularly the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), eligibility criteria of the programme, objectives and learning outcomes of the programme, detail of faculty, clinical prospects of practice after graduation and potential avenues for further education,” it said.

“As far as the bachelor of medicine and surgery programme is concerned, it has been noted that some misunderstanding prevails in academic circles and among students pertaining to the practice of surgery. The issue was also taken up by the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services Regulations and Coordination. Upon its directives, and in view of doing away with situations leading to ambiguity and confusion for the students, their parents and employers, the HEC has revised the programme title as ‘Bachelor of Eastern Medicine,” it said.

The HEC has revised the programme “Bachelor of Eastern Medicine and Surgery” to “Bachelor of Eastern Medicine” by removing the term ‘surgery’ due to concerns of its misuse,” the regulatory body said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2022.