Punjab government reviews plans for a 500-bed teaching hospital and medical college at the University of Rasul, with an initial intake of 100 MBBS students.
(By: Raja Muhammad Ayub)
MANDI BAHAUDDIN: The Punjab government has reviewed plans to establish a medical college and a 500-bed teaching hospital in Mandi Bahauddin, with MBBS classes scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Provincial Minister for Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafique and the Secretary of Specialized Healthcare chaired a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office to discuss the proposed project and its implementation.
The meeting focused on expanding medical education, appointing qualified faculty members and professors, providing modern healthcare facilities, and improving access to quality medical services for local residents.
Deputy Commissioner Mandi Bahauddin Adeel Haider briefed the participants on the project’s progress and proposed arrangements. He stated that the planned teaching hospital would have a capacity of 500 beds. The medical college would initially admit 100 students to its MBBS programme, with classes expected to commence in January 2027.
According to the briefing, the programme would initially operate from Academic Block A at the University of Rasul.
Following the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique and the Secretary of Specialized Healthcare visited the University of Rasul to inspect the proposed site for the medical college.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Zahoor-ul-Haq welcomed the provincial minister and accompanying officials upon their arrival. The delegation inspected classrooms and various laboratories to assess the available facilities for the proposed academic programme.
The visit formed part of the government’s review of the infrastructure and arrangements needed to begin medical education at the university.
During the visit, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that providing quality healthcare and promoting medical education were among the Punjab government’s key priorities.
The proposed medical college at the University of Rasul is expected to create additional opportunities for students seeking medical education in the region. The planned teaching hospital would also support the delivery of healthcare services and provide a clinical training facility for medical students.
The project aims to strengthen medical education and healthcare infrastructure in Mandi Bahauddin. Its implementation will depend on completing the necessary academic, staffing, infrastructure and administrative arrangements before classes begin.
The proposed intake of 100 MBBS students in January 2027 marks the initial target outlined during the meeting, while the 500-bed teaching hospital forms a central part of the broader healthcare development plan.
