Punjab’s Higher Education Department has announced a temporary closure for all medical educational institutions across the province as the region grapples with an ongoing conflict and petroleum crisis. From March 10 until March 31, public and private universities, colleges, and nursing colleges will be shut down.
The Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department issued this directive in response to the severe challenges faced by the healthcare sector. The move aims to minimize disruptions caused by the recent regional instability affecting energy supplies.
First-year and second-year MBBS students will conduct their academic activities online during this period, while third, fourth, and final-year MBBS classes and clinical attachments will proceed as planned. Meanwhile, all medical examinations will adhere to previously scheduled dates.
Nursing and allied health students have been directed to serve in affiliated hospitals, ensuring they remain fully engaged in their practical training despite the closure. At the same time, teaching faculty from these institutions will continue with their regular duties within the hospitals for which they are responsible.
The heads of educational institutions were instructed to enforce these measures strictly to maintain continuity and mitigate any potential impacts on students’ learning paths during this critical period.