UHS Introduces Pakistan’s First Certificate Program in Medico-Legal Examination

The University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone by introducing the nation’s inaugural certificate program in Medico-legal Examination.

This program is specifically designed to emphasize the domains of forensic medicine and medical jurisprudence, aiming to elevate the competence, ethical standards, and professionalism within the field of medico-legal practice.

Within the medico-legal framework, the pivotal role of a medical practitioner is to conduct examinations of individuals involved in diverse criminal incidents, such as accidents, assaults, and potential homicides, all within authorized healthcare facilities. This initial examination phase serves as the foundation of the investigative process, meticulously documenting the injuries sustained by the individuals in question.

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Notably, the Lahore High Court (LHC) took proactive measures last year, directing the Punjab government to bolster the proficiency of examiners involved in medico-legal cases. The court issued stringent directives to relevant authorities, underscoring the necessity for medical examiners to possess comprehensive qualifications to effectively handle these critical cases.

Regarding the Certificate Program: This educational initiative is the result of collaborative efforts by the Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHC), Health Information & Service Delivery Unit (HISDU), Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), and UHS.

The program is structured as a hands-on training course spanning four weeks, organized into distinct modules. Its primary objective is to deliver practical training to Medical Officers (MOs), Women Medical Officers (WMOs), and Dental Surgeons across the Punjab region.

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In terms of curriculum, the program encompasses a diverse array of subjects, including Toxicology, Traumatology, Autopsy procedures, Medical Law, Ethical considerations, Medico-legal Report Writing, Identification techniques, Sample Handling, Preservation methods, and Electronic Data Management.

Several prominent healthcare institutions have been designated as training centers for this program, including the Forensic Medicine Department at Jinnah Campus UHS, Services Hospital Lahore, Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Lahore General Hospital, and PFSA.

The Punjab government has an ambitious goal of training 400 individuals over the next two years. Each monthly batch will consist of 40 candidates, who will engage in tasks such as completing logbook assignments and submitting portfolios for evaluation, as integral components of the certification examination process.