UHS upgrades Pediatrics to equal status with Gynecology in MBBS curriculum

University of Health Sciences makes decision to elevate Pediatrics on recommendation of the Discipline-Specific Faculty Council

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 7^th, 2026) The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has approved significant revisions to the MBBS curriculum, upgrading Pediatrics to the same academic weight as Gynecology and increasing its marks allocation from 200 to 300.

The decision was taken during the 54th meeting of the board of Studies in Medicine held on Tuesday at UHS Lahore. The meeting was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore and attended by Convener Prof. Zahra Khanum along with principals of affiliated medical colleges.

According to the proceedings, the decision to elevate Pediatrics was made on the recommendation of the Discipline-Specific Faculty Council. It was also agreed that, starting this year, the final-year Pediatrics examination will consist of two papers, both based entirely on multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Addressing the meeting, the Vice Chancellor highlighted that nearly 45 percent of the country’s population comprises children, underscoring the importance of strengthening Pediatrics in medical education. He stated that increasing its weightage would help improve the training and competence of future doctors.

The meeting also approved revisions in the Community Medicine curriculum. Maternal and child health, along with nutrition, will now be a mandatory part of the syllabus. In addition, MBBS fourth-year students will undertake study visits to immunization centers, neonatal care units, and family planning facilities as part of their training.

The officials said the updated curriculum is aimed at enhancing practical exposure and aligning medical education with public health priorities.