Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) Rawalpindi and Health Services Academy (HSA) Islamabad have joined forces by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) to launch a groundbreaking Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and to foster excellence in public health education and research. This collaboration underscores a mutual commitment to advancing women’s leadership roles in healthcare, driving innovative research initiatives, and contributing actively towards Pakistan’s progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
The LOI was officially signed by Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor of FJWU and recipient of Pride of Performance and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz awards, and Prof. Dr. Junaid Sarfraz Khan, Rector of HSA. This strategic partnership highlights FJWU’s dedicated effort to significantly increase women’s participation and leadership in nursing and healthcare fields while simultaneously enhancing public health education.
FJWU’s upcoming BS Nursing program is designed in line with rigorous standards established by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC). The program will include well-equipped skills laboratories, comprehensive clinical training experiences, intensive hospital rotations, quality teaching resources, and advanced digital learning tools. This robust infrastructure provision aims to ensure graduates are fully prepared to meet the challenges of the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Highlighting FJWU’s persistent commitment to women’s empowerment and national development, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza emphasized: “FJWU is dedicated to contributing to national development through education, research, and innovation, especially in empowering women in health and public service sectors.” Moreover, Rector Prof. Dr. Junaid Sarfraz Khan underscored the importance of academic partnerships in developing inclusive and future-proof healthcare systems and workforce.
Critical to the planning and successful operationalization of this partnership were focal persons Prof. Dr. Hashaam Akhtar from HSA and Prof. Dr. Azra Yasmin, Director Campus II at FJWU. Both academicians played instrumental roles in ensuring effective collaboration and preparation for the introduction of the new nursing degree program.
This joint initiative between FJWU and HSA signifies a shared commitment in transforming nursing education within Pakistan and expanding opportunities for women’s higher education. By leading this significant development, FJWU continues to strengthen its prominent role as a pioneer in promoting women’s education, professional advancement, and women’s substantial contributions to both healthcare and leadership in the public sector.
