KARACHI: The 36th meeting of the Syndicate of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), chaired by Vice Chancellor Professor Amjad Siraj Memon, approved a series of important decisions aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency, academic standards, sustainability and staff welfare.
The Syndicate ratified the minutes of the 24th Finance and Planning Committee meeting and approved several financial measures, including the closure of dormant bank accounts, confirmation of the existing petty cash limit, and the issuance of a corporate debit card to facilitate online payments and modernize financial transactions.
On the academic front, the Syndicate approved a revised and slightly reduced fee structure for the BS Occupational Therapy programme by merging open merit and self-finance categories. A fee reduction for Semester 4 of MHPE Batch 2022 was also approved in accordance with revised Pakistan Medical and Dental Council guidelines. The launch of an evening Pharm-D programme was sanctioned, along with plans related to faculty deployment and revenue generation.
In line with sustainability goals and cost-saving measures, the Syndicate approved the installation of solar power systems across the university. To support expanding campuses and major projects such as SAP implementation, the recruitment of essential information technology staff was also approved.
The Syndicate confirmed the appointment of a Director for the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) in line with Higher Education Commission requirements. Selection boards were approved for faculty appointments in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry and Pathology.
Several policy decisions were also endorsed, including revised rates for specialised diagnostic tests outsourced to M/s Chugtai Lab to ensure uninterrupted patient care. A fixed honorarium framework for guest speakers and experts participating in university events was approved. A committee chaired by Professor Dr Naushad Shaikh was constituted to address the legalization of non-codal employees, while Dr Shaikh was also approved for another term as the Syndicate’s nominee on the Finance and Planning Committee.
Other approvals included outsourcing academic degree verification services, hiring faculty for HEC-mandated general education courses, and the nomination of new office bearers for the JSMU Alumni Office.
Vice Chancellor Professor Amjad Siraj Memon expressed satisfaction over the outcomes of the meeting and said the decisions would contribute significantly to academic quality, operational excellence and the overall well-being of the university community.
The meeting reflected JSMU’s continued focus on academic excellence, sustainable development and effective governance, further strengthening its role as a leading medical education institution in the country.
