Punjab to set up simulation centres across province

LAHORE: The plan has been announced to establish simulation centres across the province following the successful implementation of a simulation centre at King Edward Medical University (KEMU).

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique announced this plan while presiding over a meeting on simulation training at KEMU on Friday. The minister stated, ‘This training will significantly enhance the skills of doctors and paramedics’.

Regular simulation training will be initiated at KEMU and Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), while Rescue 1122 paramedics will also benefit from these programmes. ‘KEMU Vice Chancellor Prof Mahmood Ayaz assured full support for expanding simulation training programmes at the university.

Dr Anjum from the University of Washington provided a detailed briefing on the effectiveness of simulation labs, showcasing their role in improving medical education and practice. Khawaja Salman appreciated Dr Anjum’s presentation and stressed the importance of introducing simulation training in all medical schools in provincial capital.

He highlighted that departments such as gynecology, orthopedics and surgery would greatly benefit from this modern approach. Prof Abrar Ashraf and Prof Ahmed Uzair Qureshi echoed the need for simulation-based learning in medical education.

The meeting was attended by prominent medical professionals, including Prof M Moin, CEO Mayo Hospital Prof Faisal Masood, Prof Saima Iqbal, Dr Irfan Asmat Butt, and others. Meanwhile, Khawaja Salman Rafique announced the government’s plan to fully automate the Punjab Pharmacy Council (PPC) during his visit to the institution on Friday. Chairing a meeting to review PPC’s performance, the minister emphasised the importance of modernising pharmacy education and training to enhance the capacity of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said, "Modern subjects will be introduced into the curriculum of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in medical colleges and universities across Punjab. Specialised training courses will be launched to improve their skills and capacity”.

He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Punjab and federal governments to strengthen the pharmacy sector. The minister expressed his determination to enhance the Punjab Pharmacy Council’s capacity, enabling it to play a pivotal role in improving healthcare delivery. During the visit, Secretary PPC Dr Zaka-ur-Rehman briefed the minister on the council’s performance and initiatives. Deputy Secretary Technical Department Specialised Health Care and Medical Education, Dr Abdul Rehman, accompanied the minister, while Registrar Syed Ahmad Nazir Gilani and other officials were present.

Salman orders improving facilities in PIC

Provincial Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique visited the Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre of Punjab Institute of Cardiology and reviewed the echocardiography and other diagnostic facilities.

Speaking on the occasion Khawaja Salman Rafique said that modern diagnostic facilities were being provided to patients in the Lab and Diagnostic Centre of PIC. In addition to pathology tests, ECG and echocardiography facilities were also provided in this lab. He also directed to ensure cleanliness in the Lab and Diagnostic Centre and to further improve the echocardiography facilities.