Faculty passes resolution in favour of varsity status for KMC

PESHAWAR: The faculty members of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Khyber Medical College and Khyber College of Dentistry on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution at a meeting to express commitment to the transformation of KMC into a medical university.

The faculty members of the three institutions pledged to utilise all resources in getting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first and oldest medical college the university status.They expressed concern over a campaign launched by some old graduates of the college against the KMC university status and demanded of the caretaker government to take note of such elements who had openly challenged the writ of the government by saying the caretaker government was not authorised to upgrade institutions.

KMC Dean Prof Dr Mahmud Aurangzeb said that they had been waiting for the last 35 years for university status for the KMC.He said now that the government had announced the upgrading of the medical college to university status, some elements had launched a campaign against the institution. Dr Mahmud said that establishment of KMC university could have a significant impact on healthcare education in the region, but it was delayed by vested interest.

He appreciated the commitment of the faculty members and appreciated the role of medical director for arranging the event.Dr Mahmud also praised Dr Farooq Ahmad, Director of Medical Education KMC, Dr. Muhammad Idrees, Chairman Pathology KTH/KMC for their support in organising the meeting on this important issue.

He lauded the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) for its support in providing scholarships to 150 students. Dr Farooq Ahmad, Director of Medical Education at KMC presented a detailed case to upgrade KMC to a university. He said that KMC had already invested heavily in infrastructure and faculty development, with over 10 PhD scholars and well-equipped facilities.

“This demonstrates proactive planning and readiness for university status. KP’s population has doubled since KMU’s establishment, highlighting the need for expanded access to higher education in healthcare. Having only one medical university is no longer sufficient to cater to the needs of population and medical institutions,” Dr Farooq Ahmad argued. He said KMC’s Medical Education department has independently developed 15 out of 17 MBBS blocks, showcasing its dedication and capacity for effective management.

Dr Farooq Ahmad further said that while KMC and KTH have been instrumental in KMU’s success, granting KMC university status would recognise its individual contributions and allow it to further flourish.

KMU’s affiliations with fewer institutes compared to Punjab University despite serving a larger population in KP strengthens the argument for establishing KMC as a separate medical university.

He said there were 11 medical universities in Punjab and seven in Sindh, but when the government announced the elevation of two medical colleges, KMC in Peshawar and Ayub Medical College in Abbottabad, some people made it an issue.