Private sector medical institutions vital to meet healthcare needs: PHEC chairperson

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Apr, 2026) Chairperson Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan has stressed the need for establishing more medical institutions in the private sector to meet growing healthcare demands and promote a strong research culture in the country.

Addressing the 4th annual convocation of Aziz Fatimah Medical and Dental College (AFMDC) Faisalabad, he appreciated the role of private institutions in the promotion of higher education and said that the government was encouraging the establishment of more universities and degree-awarding institutes in the private sector to enhance educational standards.

He emphasized the importance of aligning education with industrial development so that its benefits could effectively reach the masses.

He also lauded the efforts of Faisalabad’s philanthropist community for contributing to the advancement of education and assured that the government would extend full support in this regard.

Managing Trustee of the college Mian Muhammad Adrees said that education was not only a national but also a religious responsibility, adding that the institution was committed to fulfill this duty.

He stressed that alongside academic excellence, the students must focus on character building, for which special directions had been issued to the college faculty.

Vice Chancellor Faisalabad Medical University (FMU) Prof Dr Zafar Ali Chaudhary said that establishment of public and private medical institutions in Faisalabad had laid the foundation for specialization, and the resulting research would benefit not only Pakistan but the global community as well.

He underscored the need to produce doctors of international standards who could render services both within the country and abroad, proving their professional competence.

Registrar of University of Health Sciences Lahore Madam Kiran Fatima also addressed the convocation and termed competition between public and private institutions a positive development

She noted that several private institutions were showing commendable performance. However, she stressed further improvement in faculty standards.

According to the convocation details, degrees were awarded to a total of 336 graduates while medals were distributed among high achievers including 265 MBBS students, 99 students of Allied Health Sciences and Doctor of Physical Therapy, and 98 nursing students.

Among others present on the occasion were trustees Mian Muhammad Anees, Mian Hamza Bashir and Mian Abdullah Javed, Deputy Managing Trustee Ijaz Hussain, Chief Operating Officer Professor Dr Muhammad Saeed, Principal Ghulam Abbas Sheikh and Vice Principal Dr Abdul Quddus.