The Punjab government has approved the launch of a Certificate in Family Medicine program for general practitioners as part of its efforts to improve primary healthcare services across the province.
The initiative was finalized after the University of Health Sciences (UHS) and the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on strengthening the quality of primary healthcare and professional medical training.
The new six-month certification program is designed to equip general practitioners with updated clinical knowledge, evidence-based treatment practices, patient safety protocols, and clinical governance standards.
The government hopes the initiative will improve healthcare delivery at the community level while reducing pressure on tertiary care hospitals.
Six-Month Training Program for General Practitioners
Under the agreement, general practitioners will receive structured academic and practical training through a six-month course developed by UHS.
The curriculum will focus on modern family medicine practices, evidence-based diagnosis and treatment, infection prevention, patient safety, and ethical clinical decision-making.
Participants will also receive hands-on training at UHS-affiliated teaching hospitals and other accredited healthcare facilities across Punjab.
According to UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsen Waheed Rathore, the practical component will ensure doctors gain real-world clinical experience while improving their ability to manage common medical conditions at the primary care level.
Emergency and Specialized Clinical Certifications Included
In addition to family medicine training, the program will offer internationally recognized certification modules covering essential emergency and maternal healthcare skills.
Doctors enrolled in the program will receive training in:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Life Support (ALS)
- Trauma management
- Emergency medicine
- Newborn care
- Maternal healthcare
Successful participants will receive official certificates issued by the University of Health Sciences.
Health officials believe these additional qualifications will enhance the capabilities of family physicians, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities.
Punjab Healthcare Commission to Support Quality Standards
The Punjab Healthcare Commission will play a central role in implementing the program by supporting quality assurance and professional development initiatives.
According to UHS, the commission will assist in improving treatment standards, strengthening infection prevention measures, enhancing patient safety protocols, and developing qualified trainers for future certification programs.
Officials say closer collaboration between the two institutions will help establish uniform clinical standards across public and private healthcare facilities.
Government Aims to Improve Primary Healthcare
Prof Rathore said strengthening the skills of family physicians is essential for improving healthcare outcomes and reducing unnecessary referrals to major teaching hospitals.
He said better-trained general practitioners would enable patients to receive high-quality treatment closer to their homes, easing the burden on specialized healthcare institutions.
Punjab Healthcare Commission Chief Executive Officer Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz described the initiative as an important step toward continuous professional development for general practitioners.
He said the commission would fully support the program and indicated that additional medical certification courses are expected to be introduced in the future.
Why the Program Matters
Primary healthcare serves as the first point of contact for most patients, yet many general practitioners have limited opportunities for structured postgraduate clinical training.
Health experts say strengthening family medicine education can improve early disease diagnosis, enhance patient safety, promote preventive healthcare, and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.
The new certification program is expected to support Punjab’s broader healthcare reform agenda by improving the quality of frontline medical services and ensuring patients receive more effective care within their local communities.
