Punjab Introduces Equal Opportunity Policy for Second Fellowship Training

By Dr. Ansab Ali | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Punjab Health Department has taken a significant step to strengthen the quality of postgraduate medical education by issuing directives aimed at ensuring high standards in medical institutions across the province.

Under the new policy, effective from the January 2027 admission session, postgraduate training for the Second Fellowship (previously known as Level-IV) under the Central Induction Programme will be offered exclusively for university degree programmes leading to MD/MS qualifications.

According to the Health Department, Second Fellowship (MD/MS) training seats available in government teaching hospitals under the administrative control of the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education will be allocated on a 50:50 basis. Half of the seats will be reserved for candidates holding MD/MS degrees, while the remaining half will be allocated to candidates with FCPS qualifications.

The department stated that the policy aims to provide equal opportunities for both College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) and university-qualified candidates, promote merit-based selection, and further improve the quality of postgraduate medical training.

Officials added that graduates of Punjab’s medical institutions continue to enhance Pakistan’s reputation through their professional excellence both nationally and internationally.