BIOMEDICAL DEGREE IN PAKISTAN: AN INSIGHT

ABSTRACT

Among all the multidisciplinary fields, biomedical is the fastest growing. Its diversified skills in biological as well as engineering sciences makes it a unique pillar of the any healthcare unit to create unique solutions while pertaining to healthcare standards. However, in Pakistan, the importance of biomedical field was recognized later.1 Here are several causes for this. First, we mix biomedical degree with pure medical science, and second, all relevant vacancies in Pakistan are filled by electronics and electrical engineers. It would be difficult to underline the importance of biomedical graduates in Pakistan without defining their employment positions and duties. Many companies who are working with biomedical equipment, in particular, have begun to provide special vacancies and quotas for biomedical graduates to emphasize the importance of biomedical field and to give it equal merit like all other fields. Many HEIs have started offering bachelors program in the biomedical field. Currently, the bachelor degree in Biomedical Engineering is offered by the University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore (KCK Campus), Riphah University, Lahore, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Hamdard University, Karachi, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Salim Habib University, Karachi, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, and Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro.2 Bachelor degrees in biomedical technology is offered by The University of Lahore, Lahore, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore (KSK Campus), Foundation University, Rawalpindi Campus, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, NFC Institute of Engineering & Technology, Multan, Superior University, Lahore, Ziauddin University, Karachi, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Punjab Tianjin University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, and National University of Technology, Islamabad.3 Defining the role of biomedical personnel in health-care enables them to serve for hospitals, firms working with equipment as well as in research and development and regulatory agencies. Biomedical personnel have a broad spectrum for their career prospect, and they have greater opportunities to pursue postgraduate studies in different countries around the globe. Their importance cannot be denied since they are a crucial pillar in healthcare in times of need, such as in times of COVID-19 when society as a whole went in recession and fell under the need for more biomedical personnel. The difference between biomedical engineering and biomedical technology is always a source of debate for students and parents. A student who graduates in biomedical engineering will receive a Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) registration number, whereas a biomedical technologist will receive a National Technology Council (NTC) registration number.2,3 Both PEC and the NTC are accreditation bodies in Pakistan that seek to ensure the quality of education and make it comparable to worldwide educational standards in higher education institutions. © 2022. Maria Shahzadi, et al.