UGC on Allied Health Science courses

The University Grants Commission states in conformity with the general\special degree programs conducted in the University system, all students registered for the Allied Health Science Courses shall have the option of either completing a general degree of three years duration or on the basis of their performance to opt for a special degree of four years duration.

It is further emphasized, that this decision is taken with the view to ensure smooth conduct of this course as well as providing a better choice for the respective students on the basis of their performance.

Issuing a release the UGC states requests were made in 2004 by the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry to start degree programs in Universities to train Para medical grades. Considering the requests, the Allied Health Science courses (namely, BSc in Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Radiography, Physiotherapy) were initiated by the University Grants Commission in 2005.

Clinical training in teaching hospitals is a component in the said degree programs. However, since students did not have access for clinical training in hospitals, a fundamental rights case was filed by the University of Peradeniya in the Supreme Court.

In accordance with the directive of the Supreme Court given in the said case, the University Grants Commission after discussions with the relevant parties decided to review the duration of the Allied Health Science courses, with effect from the GCE Advanced Level 2009 intake.