Timergara Medical College set to launch this session

A high-level meeting was held at Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar, with the elected representatives from Lower and Upper Dir districts to discuss the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) approval for Timergara Medical College and student admissions in the current academic session. The meeting deliberated extensively on the essential requirements for PMDC approval, including the college and hospital infrastructure, available medical facilities, bed capacity, and the requisite faculty. Key decisions were also made in this regard.

Participants included Special Assistants to the Chief Minister for Prisons and Population Welfare, Mr. Humayun Khan and Mr. Malik Liaqat Ali Khan; former Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, Prof. Dr. Meher Taj Roghani; Member of the National Assembly, Sahibzada Sibghatullah; Members of the Provincial Assembly, Shafiullah Khan and Azam Khan; CEO of Paraplegic Center, Dr. Ilyas Syed; Principal of Timergara Medical College, Professor Dr. Samiullah; KMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq; and other relevant officials.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq emphasized the importance of establishing a medical college in the region. He stated that the institution would not only elevate the educational standards in the area but also place the region on the international map. Expressing confidence in the college’s future, he remarked that its students would represent the college globally and serve as ambassadors of their homeland. He further noted that the establishment of the medical college would create opportunities for medical education, training, and research while also providing high-quality healthcare services to a vast population of the neglected region.

It was decided during the meeting that all necessary measures for PMDC inspection and registration of the college would be completed within two months, paving the way for the commencement of classes in the current session. The participants were informed that upgrading the 500-bed District Headquarters Hospital in Timergara to meet PMDC standards is crucial. A KMU inspection team will visit the college shortly to identify deficiencies and address the necessary requirements. The participants assured their full support and commitment to engaging key stakeholders, including the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, assembly members, health advisors, the Secretary of Health, and other relevant officials, to expedite the resolution of obstacles hindering the college’s operations.

The meeting also agreed to propose a special package for faculty recruitment on a temporary basis, identify a separate site for an Allied Health Sciences Institute in Lower Dir, transfer the Dir Model School in Upper Dir to KMU for establishing a Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Institute, and submit a summary to the Chief Minister for approval.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous commitment to promptly complete all essential measures for PMDC approval and ensure that the college becomes operational in the current academic session without any further delays.