The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has decided to launch a three-month certificate program for practical training in robotic surgery for the first time in Punjab, with the aim of equipping future surgeons with advanced medical skills that meet international standards.
According to the UHS administration, this development follows a meeting between Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathore and renowned UK-based robotic surgery expert Professor Dr. Mateen Sharif.
Professor Dr. Mateen Sharif recently arrived in Lahore as a result of a visit to the United Kingdom by former UHS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nadia Naseem.
A Robotic Surgery Simulation Center will be established at the UHS Jinnah Campus in Kala Shah Kaku. The existing Professional Skills Development Center will be upgraded and transformed into a modern simulation center in line with contemporary requirements.
According to officials, practical training in robotic surgery will be provided at teaching hospitals affiliated with UHS.
In addition, Professor Dr. Mateen Sharif will provide technical assistance in developing the robotic surgery curriculum and training program and will also oversee various training workshops.
UHS has also decided to appoint Professor Dr. Mateen Sharif as Adjunct Faculty in the field of robotic surgery to ensure international standard training and the transfer of expertise.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathore stated that the introduction of robotic surgery will be implemented in phases while taking into account Pakistan’s medical needs and available resources.
Initially, certificate courses, training workshops, and simulation training will be introduced, while a master’s degree program in robotic surgery will be launched in the future.
He said that the objective of UHS is to provide future MS graduates and surgeons with world class robotic skills in order to promote advanced surgical facilities in Pakistan and ensure better medical services for patients.
