HEC asks universities not to offer clinical degrees without permission

Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan has warned the universities not to offer undergraduate degree programmes involving clinical applications without due permission from HEC.

Furthermore, HEC has revised the programme title i.e., Bachelor of Eastern Medicine and Surgery, changing it to Bachelor of Eastern Medicine by removing the term ‘Surgery’ due to concerns about its misuse. HEC has noted with grave concern that some universities, without consultation of relevant professional bodies and 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, Haemodialysis and Neuro-physiology at the undergraduate level.

Considering sensitivities associated with their applications in academics and practice, the universities desirous of offering diploma and degree programmes in the aforementioned and allied disciplines involving clinical applications have been advised to furnish a comprehensive dossier for each programme for HEC’s approval.

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.