Punjab Offers New Model of Admission to Nursing Colleges

To promote uniformity and standardization, admission to nursing colleges in Punjab will now be conducted through a centralized method similar to that used by public sector medical and dental institutions in the province.

Candidates must submit their applications for the 4-year BSc Nursing Program online through a portal provided by the direction of the University of Health Sciences (UHS). It will also manage the admissions process.

This decision was made during a special meeting of the UHS Board of Studies in Nursing, which was presided over by Punjab’s acting Health Minister, Professor Javed Akram.

The decision to centralize nurse admissions was made in the presence of all the participants during the meeting. The Vice-Chancellors of all medical universities and the Director General of Nursing will serve as members of the Admission Committee, which will be chaired by the Secretary of SHCI. In September, the advertisement for BSc Nursing admissions will be announced.

candidate’s online registration will be completed in October. The first merit list will be displayed in December. The start of classes at nursing colleges is scheduled for March. The updated policy will come into effect starting with the academic year 2023–2024. A group of experts has also been assembled to make recommendations for curricular reforms; these are expected in a month.

Another important decision made at the meeting was to launch Punjab’s first nursing journal with the aim of promoting scientific research in the area.

Additionally, in order to advance nurses’ professional growth, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) in Lahore declared its intention to provide three and six-month short courses in interpersonal skills, IT, and the English language for nurses. To make this partnership possible, WCCI and UHS will execute a formal contract.

Prof. Javed Akram, Provincial Health Minister, addressed the audience and emphasized the current reforms in the nursing curriculum across Punjab. He also declared that nursing college faculty members would be sent to the United Kingdom for doctoral studies (Ph.D) to develop their knowledge and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.