In a groundbreaking move to bolster the healthcare sector, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the expansion of the Honhaar Scholarship Program to include healthcare-related fields. This initiative aims to provide financial support to talented students pursuing medical and healthcare degrees, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their educational and career goals.
About the Honhaar Scholarship Program
Launched in December 2024, the Honhaar Scholarship Program is one of Pakistan’s largest educational initiatives. With an annual budget of Rs. 130 billion, the program awards 30,000 scholarships each year. These scholarships cover full tuition fees for undergraduate studies across 68 disciplines, including engineering, medicine, and social sciences. The program is available at 65 universities, 359 colleges, and 12 medical and dental institutes across Punjab. It focuses on both merit and financial need to ensure equal opportunities for all students.
Why Healthcare Programs Were Added
The inclusion of healthcare programs in the Honhaar Scholarship reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals in Punjab. Many aspiring medical students face financial challenges, and this initiative aims to ease the burden of tuition fees, encouraging more students to enter the healthcare field.
Also Read: CM Maryam Nawaz Decided to Expand Honhaar Scholarship To Other Provinces
Key Healthcare Fields Covered
The scholarship now supports a wide range of healthcare disciplines, including:
- Medicine (MBBS)
- Dentistry (BDS)
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Allied Health Sciences
- Public Health
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Physiotherapy
This broad coverage ensures that students interested in various healthcare careers can benefit from the program.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Honhaar Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Domicile: Must be a resident of Punjab.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be 22 years or younger at the time of application.
- Family Income: Monthly family income should not exceed Rs. 300,000, supported by an affidavit.
- Academic Performance:
- For Medical Colleges: Minimum 80% marks in FSc./Intermediate.
- For Top Universities: Minimum 80% marks in FSc./Intermediate.
- For Public Sector Universities: Minimum 75% marks for Sciences and 70% for Arts and Social Sciences.
- For HED Colleges: Minimum 65% marks for Sciences and 60% for Arts and Social Sciences.
These strict criteria ensure that scholarships are awarded to the most deserving and academically strong students.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Honhaar Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the entire undergraduate program.
- Institutional Inclusivity: Scholarships are available for students in both public and private institutions, ensuring wider access to quality education.
Also Read: Unlocking Opportunities: What to Do If Your Honhaar Scholarship Application Gets Rejected?
How to Apply
Prospective applicants must follow these steps:
- Online Registration: Visit the official Honhaar Scholarship website and fill out the application form.
- Document Submission: Upload required documents, such as academic transcripts, domicile certificate, income affidavit, and proof of admission.
- Application Review: Applications are thoroughly reviewed to ensure eligibility.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview.
- Award Notification: Successful applicants receive an award letter with scholarship details.
List of Eligible Medical Colleges
The Honhaar Scholarship Program partners with numerous institutions across Punjab. Some of the medical colleges included are:
- Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC), Lahore
- Ameer-ud-Din Medical College (AMC), Lahore
- D.G. Khan Medical College (DGMC), D.G. Khan
- Gujranwala Medical College (GMC), Gujranwala
- Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College (KMSMC), Sialkot
- Nawaz Sharif Medical College (NSMC), Gujrat
- Nishtar Medical College (NMC), Multan
- Punjab Medical College (PMC), Faisalabad
- Quaid-e-Azam Medical College (QAMC), Bahawalpur
- Rawalpindi Medical College (RMC), Rawalpindi
- Sahiwal Medical College (SLMC), Sahiwal
- Sargodha Medical College (SMC), Sargodha
- Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), Lahore
- Sheikh Zayed Medical College (SZMC), Rahim Yar Khan
This extensive list ensures students across Punjab have access to quality medical education without financial stress.
Impact on Punjab’s Healthcare Sector
The expansion of the Honhaar Scholarship to include healthcare programs is expected to bring significant benefits:
- Higher Enrollment: By removing financial barriers, more students will pursue healthcare education, increasing the number of qualified professionals.
- Improved Healthcare Services: With better-trained graduates, the overall quality of healthcare in Punjab is likely to improve.
- Addressing Shortages: The initiative will help reduce the shortage of healthcare workers, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Stories from Scholarship Recipients
Many students have already benefited from the Honhaar Scholarship. Here are a few testimonials:
- Ayesha Khan, a medical student at AIMC Lahore, said, “The Honhaar Scholarship has been a blessing. It allowed me to follow my dream of becoming a doctor without worrying about finances.”
- Bilal Ahmed, a pharmacy student at NMC Multan, shared, “This scholarship not only supported me financially but also motivated me to excel in my studies and contribute to healthcare.”
Conclusion
The inclusion of healthcare programs in the Honhaar Scholarship Program is a major step forward for Punjab’s education and healthcare systems. By offering full financial support to deserving students, the government is investing in the future of healthcare. This initiative empowers students and strengthens Punjab’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare for all.