The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has licensed the degree holders of Doctor of pharmacy and physical therapy to use the title ‘Dr’ with their names.
According to the notification issued by HEC, it has allowed DPT and Pharm D graduates to use the title ‘Dr’ with the name however, the University of Health Sciences earlier restricted the degree holders of Pharm D and Doctor of Physical Therapy to not use the title Dr with their names.
As per the orders issued by HEC, it now clarified in its letter that both degree programme holders can use the designation ‘Dr’ with their names. The letter distributed by HEC directs that reference is invited to the UHS circular issued vide no. UHS-REG-21 (Syndicate)/4079 dated 30th August 2021.
It is explained that the issue regarding Doctor title used with undergraduate programmes was addressed satisfactorily by the commission vide letter no. 9-1/HEC/ACAD-CURRI/2018/2372 dated September 04, 2018.
Read more: HEC takes back decision against two-year Bachelor, Masters programs
It further explained that the use of Doctor Designation for the nomenclature of Pharm D and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programmes were certified by HEC on the suggestion of respective National Curriculum Review Committees.
“As far as the use of prefix Dr. by these professionals is concerned, the HEC NCRC and relevant professional council have allowed the same as per the pattern Dr…Name…PT/Pharm D,” it said.
Moreover, it also clarified that Pharm D and PT are suffixed to differentiate their professional disciplines. However, it is recommended that HEC guidelines delivered in this respect be complied accordingly.
LAT and Law-GAT examinations
Owing to the COVID associated lockdowns, the Law Admission Test (LAT) examination which was scheduled on 29th August 2021 could not be conducted in the province of Sindh.
Now HEC has opened the registration across the country, including Sindh, from 10th September 2021 to facilitate the law students with another opportunity during the current admission season.
The examination was temporarily planned for 26th September 2021 along with the Law-GAT. But due to COVID-related problems, both the examinations have now been scheduled a week later on Sunday, 3rd October 2021.
