UHS to introduce PhD, evening MSN programs for nurses

LAHORE: The University of Health Sciences (UHS) is soon to introduce a PhD program in nursing and an evening Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the College of Nursing, Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC), which was recently announced as a constituent college of UHS.

UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore revealed this in a meeting with Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC) College of Nursing faculty members who visited him on Wednesday.

The visit was the initial official engagement of the UHS administration with the faculty of the newly merged college. The government of Punjab notified the merger of the College of Nursing AIMC with UHS on July 3, 2025.

Prof Rathore termed the merger as a historic step that would have an impact on the future of nursing education nationally. “We see this institution becoming a model nursing college,” he stated. “It is not a structural reform; it’s a win-win for both institutions and a giant step towards taking nursing education to international levels.”

Dispelling any concerns over faculty development, the VC assured that the merger would not hamper professional growth. “Instead, it will open new doors of opportunity,” he said. “All allowances and benefits available to UHS employees will now be extended to the faculty and staff of the college.”

Prof Rathore also said that emphasis would continue to be on capacity building and professional development of graduates in nursing. “We need to remove the stigma attached to the profession of nursing. Our graduates are very competent and should be given recognition akin to other health professionals,” he said.

He also stressed improving quality assurance mechanisms and vowed more checks and balances to guarantee academic excellence. “The launching of the new COMPASS curriculum will be our immediate priority, and we intend to establish new standards for nursing education in the country,” the VC said.