A four-member delegation of education sector leaders visited the University of Health Sciences (UHS) on Tuesday. They agreed to launch a pilot project on adolescent girls’ health in Lahore schools.
Muzammil Mehmood, Chairman CM Task Force on Education, led the delegation. Members included Moiz Nazir, Member Board of Governors, Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA), Shakeel A. Bhatti, Member CM Advisory on Education, and Imtiaz Shahid, Additional Program Director, Punjab Education Sector Reforms Program (PMIU PESRP). They held detailed discussions with UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore.
Prof Rathore presented the university’s Comprehensive Guidebook on Adolescent School Health Services. It outlines structured health education modules for students aged 10 to 19. The guidelines focus on nutrition, menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, mental well-being, digital safety, and prevention of risky behaviours. It aligned with national and international adolescent health frameworks.
Both sides agreed to implement these guidelines in selected girls’ schools of Lahore as part of a pilot project. They nominated focal persons to finalise a health education curriculum and training plan for teachers and school health teams.
UHS VC:
“By introducing structured health education, we can empower our girls with the knowledge. We can provide them confidence they need to lead healthier lives. This will also reduce absenteeism and dropouts linked to preventable health problems,” UHS VC said. He added that Pyari Beti, the UHS flagship project on adolescent girls’ reproductive health, was already addressing critical gaps. The school-based initiative would further expand its outreach, he added.
Muzammil Mehmood welcomed the initiative, calling it a timely step. “Nation’s future directly linked to the health of our adolescent girls. Chief Minister vision on women empowerment calls for equipping girls with essential life skills and awareness.”
Moiz Nazir observed that the subject required sensitivity. “This is a sensitive matter given our cultural taboos. A carefully drafted curriculum will be the first step in the right direction,” he said. He added that collaboration between the health and education sectors was key to the success of such projects and that integrating health into the school curriculum would ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
Shakeel A. Bhatti observed that adolescence was a stage where the right guidance could protect students from risky behaviours. “Through this project, we want to ensure that no girl is left behind due to lack of awareness or support,” he said.
Imtiaz Shahid said the Education Department would provide full support in aligning the project with existing reforms. “The pilot will give us valuable insights to scale up adolescent health services across Punjab,” he noted.
