LOWER DIR: Timergara Medical College Principal Professor Dr Syed Abrar Lakhar Khan has urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to immediately approve a Rs993 million grant-in-aid, saying the funds are needed to make the institution operational and begin academic activities.
Briefing the media on his first-year performance at his office on Monday, the principal said several steps had been taken over the past year to prepare the college for operations, including expansion of departments, establishment of laboratories and creation of an administrative block.
Infrastructure and Faculty
Dr Khan said efforts had also been made to acquire the land required under Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) rules, while a sports ground had been arranged for students.
He said 25 faculty members had initially been recruited transparently and on merit to facilitate the start of classes. However, as academic activities had not yet begun, most had left the institution, leaving 18 faculty members.
According to the principal, registration of Timergara Medical College has also been completed.
Classes Could Begin Within Three Months
Dr Khan said academic activities could potentially begin within three months if the provincial government posts or transfers faculty members working under Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs) to the college.
He also suggested allowing former faculty members above the age of 60 to resume their services as another option to address staffing requirements.
The principal said approval of the Rs993 million grant would help complete essential infrastructure and administrative arrangements needed to make the college operational.
He urged the provincial government to take immediate steps to release the required funds and address staffing needs, saying the measures would help protect students’ academic futures and support medical education in the region.