ISLAMABAD: The Virtual University of Pakistan (VU) and the Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Commitment (MoC) to strengthen academic and research collaboration, with a particular focus on developing and launching joint degree and diploma programmes.
The agreements were signed on October 20, 2026, on the eve of the 16th Annual International Public Health Conference 2026, hosted by the Health Services Academy in Islamabad under the theme “Digital Health Innovations for Better Health Outcomes.” The conference was graced by Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State for National Health Services, underscoring the importance of innovation and institutional collaboration in advancing public health in Pakistan.
The agreements were signed by Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti, SI, TI, Rector of Virtual University of Pakistan, and Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy, Islamabad.
The collaboration aims to leverage the academic expertise, institutional resources, and facilities of both institutions to introduce joint academic programmes, promote collaborative research, facilitate professional training, and support capacity-building initiatives. The partnership will also create opportunities for student internships and placements, while enabling the sharing of academic resources and laboratory facilities through mutual agreement.
The signing ceremony was attended by VU Registrar Mr. Amir Rafiq; Dr. Asif Nadeem, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences; Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC); Ms. Rubina Ali, General Manager Marketing; Dr. Muhammad Tariq Pervez, Associate Professor; and other representatives of the participating institutions.
The partnership marks an important step towards expanding joint academic offerings, strengthening research collaboration, and advancing professional development through institutional cooperation. It reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting academic excellence, fostering innovation, and creating new educational and professional opportunities for students and public health professionals.
