The University of Sargodha (UoS) has entered into a significant collaboration with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Hospital Mushaf to designate the hospital as a teaching facility for the University’s Nursing College. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to strengthen clinical education and provide nursing students with hands-on training aligned with professional healthcare standards.
Under the agreement, the 300-bedded PAF Hospital Mushaf will serve as the main clinical training site for UoS nursing students. A Clinical Liaison Committee comprising representatives from both institutions will ensure effective coordination of academic and hospital-based training, while a Clinical Coordinator from the Nursing College will oversee the schedule and practical sessions as per Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) regulations.
The University of Sargodha will also conduct free in-service training sessions for the hospital’s nursing staff to promote their professional growth. Additionally, two seats each in the morning and evening BS Nursing programs will be reserved for PAF employees or their dependents. The University will manage academic and administrative affairs, whereas PAF Hospital will provide access to its wards, facilities, and specialized staff for clinical instruction. Nursing graduates will complete their one-year internship at PAF Hospital following the four-year BS program.
In a separate event, the University of Sargodha observed World Mental Health Day 2025 with the theme “Working Together for Community Wellbeing.” The Department of Psychology and the Counseling Centre organized an awareness walk and seminar in collaboration with Fountain House Sargodha & Lahore, SOS Children’s Village, and MammaCare.
Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas served as Chief Guest, emphasizing that community wellbeing can only be achieved when individuals and institutions unite to promote empathy, inclusion, and support for mental health. He remarked that mental health is a shared responsibility that reflects the compassion and resilience of society.
Guest speakers included Dr Khawaja Arshad, Pediatrician and Autism Specialist; Mr Nadeem Noor, Deputy Director of Fountain House Lahore; Dr Tooba Illyas, Psychiatrist at the Royal College of Psychiatry London; and Dr Muhammad Illyas Khan, Professor of Public Health at McConnell University and MammaCare Associate USA. They discussed topics such as autism awareness, social rehabilitation, suicide prevention, and the vital role of parental mental health in child development.
Prof Dr Najma Iqbal, Chairperson of the Department of Psychology, expressed gratitude to participants and partners, noting that the initiative aimed to inspire understanding and collective engagement in promoting psychological health. The seminar also featured creative performances by children from Fountain House, adding a moving touch to the event.
Related: Sargodha University Signs MoU with Setif1 University Algeria
The day concluded with an awareness walk led by Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Sarwar Awan, joined by faculty and students, reaffirming the University’s commitment to advancing community mental health awareness.