Punjab to Launch Certificate in Family Medicine Program for General Practitioners

Punjab has decided to launch a Certificate in Family Medicine programme for general practitioners to strengthen primary healthcare in the province.

The plan was finalised after the University of Health Sciences (UHS) and the Punjab Healthcare Commission signed a memorandum of understanding and agreed to work together on improving primary care services.

What the Program Will Offer

According to the details, the six-month certificate programme will provide general practitioners with modern medical training. It will also give them practical instruction in evidence-based treatment, patient safety, and clinical governance.

Vice Chancellor UHS Prof Ahsen Waheed Rathore said practical training will be arranged at UHS-affiliated teaching hospitals and approved centres across Punjab.

The programme will also include special certification courses in BLS, ALS, trauma, emergency care, newborn care, and maternal care. Successful candidates will receive certificates from the University of Health Sciences.

Role of Punjab Healthcare Commission

Prof Rathore said the Punjab Healthcare Commission will support the programme by helping improve treatment standards, patient safety, infection control, and trainer development.

He said the move will benefit the public by improving the skills of family physicians and reducing the burden on major teaching hospitals.

Chief Executive Officer of PHC, Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz, said the program will give a new direction to the continuous professional training of general practitioners. He added that UHS will receive full support and more certificate courses will be introduced later.