By Dr. Ansab Ali | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Parliamentary Secretary for Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Ms. Rushda Lodhi, along with UN Global Nutrition Champion and senior corporate professional Ms. Saira Iftikhar, visited the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore and called on Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani.

A meeting was subsequently held at UVAS under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani. During the meeting, Ms. Rushda Lodhi sought suggestions and technical input from UVAS experts working for the betterment of human health, animal welfare and the environment under the One Health concept.

The participants also discussed malnutrition-related stunting among students and explored possible measures to address nutritional deficiencies and improve students’ health and well-being.

Later, Ms. Saira Iftikhar delivered a detailed presentation on the Healthy University Campus initiative, highlighting measures aimed at promoting a healthier and more supportive educational environment.

Dean Faculty of Veterinary Science Prof. Dr. Kamran Ashraf, senior faculty members from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and administrative officers attended the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani briefed the visiting delegation about UVAS’s academic and research activities, development projects and new initiatives. He particularly highlighted the Ravi Campus Pattoki, which is planned to be developed as an Agro-Livestock Tourism Resort for school, college and university students.

He said the proposed facility would provide students, researchers and families interested in poultry, dairy, livestock, fisheries and wildlife management an opportunity to visit the campus and gain practical knowledge. Educational visits would also focus on food processing and the farm-to-fork concept.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the role of the Center for Academic Development and Student Wellbeing in addressing issues related to student demoralisation and disengagement from the learning process. He said a mentoring programme was being initiated to identify and help students facing challenges including cultural shock, mental health concerns, language barriers and financial difficulties.

Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani reaffirmed UVAS’s commitment to launching a comprehensive Healthy Campus programme aimed at improving the health and overall well-being of students, faculty and staff.

Earlier, Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani welcomed the guests to the historic institution and arranged a screening of a UVAS video documentary, providing an overview of the university’s research activities, development initiatives, student strength and collaborations with national and international institutions.