Department of Public Health and Community Medicine

The Department of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, is a multidisciplinary academic and research hub dedicated to advancing population health and strengthening health systems in Pakistan and beyond. With a broad mandate that spans undergraduate and postgraduate education, research, training, and community engagement, the department fosters innovation, leadership, and evidence-informed policy in the health sector.

Vision and Mission

The department’s mission is to improve health outcomes and equity by addressing the full spectrum of public health challenges—from disease prevention and health promotion to health systems development, monitoring, and evaluation. Guided by international best practices, it emphasizes proactive, preventive, and promotive strategies that reduce disease burden before clinical presentation, while also reinforcing the importance of resilient and responsive health systems.

Pakistan Context and Imperative

Pakistan faces significant public health challenges, including:

• A double burden of disease, with high prevalence of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and dengue, alongside rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
• Maternal and child health indicators that lag behind regional averages: Pakistan’s maternal mortality ratio is approximately 154 per 100,000 live births and under-five mortality rate stands at 58 per 1,000 live births (UNICEF, 2023).
• A critical shortage of skilled public health professionals—current estimates suggest that Pakistan requires nearly 5,000 trained public health specialists annually to meet the evolving needs of its healthcare system.

In this context, the Department serves as a national leader in capacity building, producing professionals capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based solutions that improve health outcomes and contribute to sustainable development.

Academic Programs and Training

The Department offers a diverse portfolio of programs that integrate theory, practice, and research, including:

• Undergraduate education in public health and community medicine, embedded within the MBBS curriculum and allied health sciences.
• Postgraduate programs such as MPH, MPhil, and PhD, equipping graduates with advanced expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, health systems management, health economics, health policy, environmental and occupational health, and global health.
• Skill-based training workshops and short courses for faculty, healthcare workers, and policymakers, aligned with WHO and international public health standards.

Research and Innovation

The Department is committed to producing impactful, high-quality research in areas of national and global importance:

• Communicable & Non-communicable Diseases
• Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health
• Nutrition, Environmental and Occupational Health
• Health Equity, Policy, and Systems Research

Research outputs are translated into actionable recommendations that inform government policies and contribute to strengthening Pakistan’s health system. The Department collaborates with leading national institutions and international organizations to ensure global relevance and impact.

Facilities and Laboratories

The Department is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories to support research, diagnostics, and training, including:

• Public Health Laboratory
• Genetics Laboratory
• Immunology Laboratory
• Microbiology Laboratory
• Pharmacy & Pharmacology Laboratory (with emphasis on Community Pharmacy)

These facilities provide hands-on learning and research opportunities for students while serving as resources for collaborative projects and community-based interventions.

Community Engagement and Policy Advocacy

Community partnership and outreach are central to the Department’s work. Activities include:

• Vaccination campaigns and school health programs
• Maternal and child health awareness initiatives
• Environmental and occupational health interventions
• Disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness projects

Through these initiatives, the Department ensures that public health education and research directly translate into tangible benefits for society, especially underserved and vulnerable populations.

At the policy level, the Department contributes evidence and expertise to government and non-governmental stakeholders, advocating for reforms that advance universal health coverage and sustainable development.