Introduction
The Health Department of Azad Jammu & Kashmir is committed to strengthening the quality of healthcare through continuous investment in the education and training of its medical, nursing, and allied health workforce. Recognizing that skilled human resources are the foundation of safe and effective healthcare delivery, the department designs and implements structured training programs, workshops, and seminars for clinical, technical, and administrative staff across the state. These programs aim to build technical competence, promote evidence-based practice, and foster collaborative, team-based care aligned with modern healthcare standards. Through partnerships with teaching hospitals, professional bodies, and development partners, the department ensures that healthcare providers in AJ&K remain updated, competent, and equipped to meet evolving health challenges and improve patient outcomes.
Mission, Goal & Strategy
Mission. Mission of uplifting the quality healthcare in AJK through improving quality of medical education of the healthcare providers.
Goal. To launch a system operationalize and strengthen it through a continuous process of improvement.
Strategy: Uplifting of all three pillars of healthcare system Hospitals, Medical Education and Quality of healthcare in all health care facilities of the AJ&K. The goal will be achieved through the following steps:-
- Uplifting Education of Healthcare providers.
- Uplifting the Teaching Hospitals.
- Institute Quality Assurance of hospitals through education of the healthcare providers and healthcare services.
Post Graduate Training
Postgraduate medical training is essential to produce specialists who can manage complex diseases, lead clinical teams, and strengthen tertiary care services in AJ&K. The Health Department, in collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), runs structured postgraduate programs to reduce reliance on outside specialists and improve access to quality care at the district and divisional levels.
The Health Department announces FCPS and specialty training slots twice a year, in December and June, to address specialist shortages and expand access to qualified doctors in both public and private sectors across AJ&K.
Specialties offered: General Surgery, General Medicine, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Urology, ENT, Dermatology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Critical Care, Accident & Emergency, Neurology, Pulmonology, Neurosurgery, Orthodontics, and others.
Training is conducted inside and outside AJ&K. Recognized postgraduate training hospitals in AJ&K include;
- Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) Muzaffarabad
- SKBZ Hospital / CMH Muzaffarabad
- SKBZ Hospital / CMH Rawalakot
- Divisional Headquarter Teaching Hospital Mirpur
Nursing Training
Nurses form the backbone of healthcare delivery, providing continuous patient care, health education, and emergency response. To meet national standards and the growing demand for qualified nursing staff, the Health Department has invested in standardized nursing education and career progression pathways
The department has established the State College of Nursing, Mirpur to standardize and expand nursing education. Programs offered;
- BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing: A 4-year undergraduate program providing a foundation in nursing theory, clinical skills, and evidence-based practice for professional nursing roles.
- Post RN BSc Nursing: A 2-year program for registered nurses to enhance clinical expertise, leadership, and management skills in areas such as critical care and hospital administration.
- Post Basic Diploma in Trauma & Emergency: A specialized 1-year program equipping registered nurses with advanced skills in trauma and emergency care. Allied Health/Paramedics Training
Allied Health & Paramedics Training
Allied health professionals and paramedics are critical to diagnostics, emergency care, rehabilitation, and the smooth functioning of hospitals. Strengthening this cadre ensures timely lab results, safe anesthesia, accurate imaging, and effective emergency response at all levels of care.
Similarly, the Public Health Nursing School and Community Midwifery Schools have been established to focus on public health and community-based nursing. These institutions train nurses and midwives for preventive, maternal, and child health programs across district and rural areas of AJ&K.
To meet this need, the Health Department runs structured training programs for dispensers, lady health visitors, medical technicians, anaesthesia technicians, X-ray technicians, laboratory technicians, dialysis technicians, and other allied health cadres through its recognized training institutes and teaching hospitals. Admissions are announced as seats become available. Key institutions include;
- College of Medical Technology Mirpur
- Allied Health Institute Bagh
- Allied Health Institute Muzaffarabad
- Public Health Nursing School Mirpur
- Community Midwifery Schools
