UHS approves first MS Stroke Intervention degree

LAHORE: The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has approved Pakistan’s first MS Stroke Intervention (Level-IV) degree programme, enhancing advanced stroke care and neuro-interventional services in the country. The decision was made during the 43rd Academic Council meeting, chaired by UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore, on Wednesday. The programme aims to train specialists in interventional neuroradiology and endovascular stroke management to support the development of Comprehensive Stroke Centres in Punjab, initiated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. This initiative will help improve the province’s capacity to provide timely and effective stroke care. Additionally, the Council approved curricula for the MS Stroke Intervention programme and various PhD programmes in nursing, public health, and more. It also endorsed updated curricula for six postgraduate diploma programs and introduced new research-oriented certificates and a Certificate in Quality Management for Clinical Laboratories. Moreover, amendments were made to standardize assessment regulations for MS, MD, and MDS programmes, requiring PhD scholars to attend national and international conferences before graduation. While addressing the members, the UHS VC said Punjab is rapidly expanding its stroke care infrastructure; the approval is a timely academic initiative that will ensure the availability of highly trained specialists required to operate Comprehensive Stroke Centres and provide world-class, evidence-based stroke care to patients across the province, he opined. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026