AI integrated into MBBS, nursing curricula in Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistani medical universities have begun integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the new MBBS and nursing curricula.

The five-year course has been developed for MBBS and nursing students to familiarise them with the ethical and practical use of AI in medical education and practice.

The curriculum has been designed to prepare future doctors and paramedical staff to treat patients with the help of AI, which is already being used in diagnosis, surgery, and patient care.

Pilot projects such as the Haami programme in family medicine and the interpretation of retina images are currently underway. Students are also being offered workshops in data analytics and participation in teleconsultations to keep them aligned with digital health trends.

AI and robotic systems have also been introduced in surgery, enabling complex abdominal, pelvic, prostate, rectal, and hepatobiliary procedures.

Aga Khan University Hospital’s Medical College Dean Prof Karim Damji told Express that AI is being gradually incorporated into medical and nursing education.

PMDC announces new schedule for MDCAT exam

“A comprehensive AI course has been prepared to be included as a subject in the five-year MBBS programme in the near future. Its purpose is to familiarise students with the ethical application of AI in medicine and equip them with modern technological skills,” he said.

He said that the curriculum will be periodically updated to remain aligned with innovations and advancements.

For this purpose, the AKUH’s quality, teaching and learning network has issued guidelines for faculty to ensure the ethical use of AI in teaching and examinations.

Professor Damji further said that the MBBS and nursing curricula undergo internal review every two to three years and external review every five years.

“Minor changes are decided by the associate dean and the curriculum committee, while major revisions and new courses are approved by the academic council, headed by the provost,” he said.