The Government of Punjab has officially launched a large-scale emergency skills training program aimed at strengthening healthcare preparedness across the province. The initiative is being implemented through the University of Health Sciences (UHS).
This move marks a significant upgrade in clinical standards for nursing education in Punjab. Punjab has launched a province-wide emergency training initiative to train 15,000 nursing students annually in life-saving skills.
What Is the Emergency Skills Training Initiative?
The new program will:
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Train 15,000 nursing students annually
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Make emergency life-saving skills mandatory for graduation
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Expand faculty training across Punjab
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Improve emergency response capacity in public and private hospitals
The launch ceremony took place at UHS Jinnah Campus, where provincial health officials emphasized long-term healthcare reform.
Six Mandatory Life-Saving Skills
Under the new framework, no nursing student will receive a degree without passing assessments in six core emergency skills:
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Basic Life Support (BLS)
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Advanced Life Support
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First Trauma Response
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Neonatal Resuscitation
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Obstetric Emergency Care
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Emergency Triage & Assessment
Clinical exposure has also been strengthened, with practice hours increased to 54 hours per week.
Faculty Training & Master Trainers
To ensure smooth implementation:
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1,000 medical faculty members have already been trained
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1,200 nursing teachers are being certified as master trainers
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Faculty from 86 nursing colleges will deliver standardized training
Collaboration with emergency services, including Rescue 1122, is part of the rollout strategy.
Government’s Healthcare Reform Vision
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique highlighted that:
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Nurses deserve recognition equal to doctors
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Emergency readiness is now a core policy priority
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The program strengthens clinical competence province-wide
The initiative is aligned with broader healthcare reforms under the leadership of Punjab’s provincial administration.
UHS BS Nursing 2nd Merit List 2026 Update
Alongside the training program, UHS announced an important admission update:
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New 2nd Merit List Release Date: February 23, 2026
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Reason for Delay: Completion of first merit list processing
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Where to Check: Punjab Nursing Admission System (PNAS 2.0) and UHS official website
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Joining Deadline: 4–5 days after list announcement
Applicants are advised to monitor official portals for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nursing students will be trained annually?
Approximately 15,000 students each year.
Are emergency skills now mandatory for graduation?
Yes, passing all six life-saving skills is compulsory.
How many faculty members are being trained?
1,200 nursing faculty members are being certified as trainers.
What is the new UHS 2nd merit list date?
February 23, 2026.
Will clinical hours increase for students?
Yes, clinical training has been increased to 54 hours per week.
Final Overview
Punjab’s emergency nursing training initiative represents a structural upgrade in healthcare education. By standardizing life-saving skills and strengthening faculty capacity, the province aims to build a more responsive and professionally trained nursing workforce. With mandatory certification and expanded clinical exposure, this reform is expected to significantly improve emergency care standards across Punjab.
