Dr. Pechuho highlighted the importance of
creating the Sindh Health Research Institute
which would guide policy decisions
Sahir Baloch
Karachi: Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, pro-chancellor of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), emphasized the urgent need to establish the Sindh Nursing Council and the Sindh Health Research Institute to enhance healthcare services and research in Sindh. Speaking at the 6th Senate meeting of JSMU, she underscored the importance of these institutions in advancing healthcare and allied health sciences in the province.
Focus on Research and Allied Health Sciences
Dr. Pechuho highlighted the importance of creating the Sindh Health Research Institute, which would collect data from Karachi’s tertiary hospitals to guide policy decisions. Additionally, she announced plans for an Institute of Allied Health Sciences to strengthen the educational infrastructure for healthcare professionals.
JSMU’s Commitment to Research Excellence
JSMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Amjad Siraj Memon, echoed her sentiments, unveiling the university’s plans to establish a Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and appoint a Dean to manage its operations. He also highlighted the recent launch of PhD programs in Dental, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, and Public Health, which aim to foster research excellence and innovation at JSMU.
Key Approvals and Financial Reviews
The meeting, chaired by Dr. Azra Pechuho, included key agenda items such as a performance review of JSMU and approval of revised budgets for 2022-2025. The Senate also ratified the audited accounts for 2020-2021 and previous Senate meeting minutes. Additionally, resolutions passed by the JSMU Syndicate in its 28th to 30th meetings were approved.
Clarification on Faculty Recruitment
Addressing recent concerns, Dr. Memon clarified that JSMU is hiring faculty for Sindh Medical College to serve in affiliated teaching hospitals like Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and the National Institute of Child Health (NICH). He made it clear that JSMU is not recruiting faculty directly for JPMC, which operates as a separate entity.
Expansion of Nursing Programs
To meet the growing demand for nursing professionals, Dr. Memon proposed an increase in the nursing student intake. Dr. Pechuho supported the initiative, stressing the importance of establishing the Sindh Nursing Council and expanding nursing programs, including the introduction of evening classes to accommodate more students.
Senate Nominations and New Audit Firm
During the meeting, Dr. Jabbar Khattak, an elected alumni member, and Professor Mohsina Noor Ibrahim of NICH were nominated to the Finance and Planning Committee of JSMU. The Senate also approved a decision to grant voting rights to 3-5 year contractual employees in the Syndicate and Senate and agreed to appoint a new audit firm from the State Bank of Pakistan’s approved list.
Gratitude for Leadership Support
In his closing remarks, Vice Chancellor Professor Amjad Siraj Memon expressed gratitude to Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho for her ongoing support of JSMU’s mission. He noted, “Her commitment to advancing healthcare education and research at JSMU reflects her broader vision for improving the healthcare landscape in Sindh.”
