LAHORE – The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore on Monday formally commenced basic sciences classes for first and second-year BDS students of the historic de’Montmorency College of Dentistry.
The development follows the Punjab government’s notification declaring the century-old institution a constituent college of UHS, marking its official integration with the university.
Over 200 students from the dental college visited the UHS campus, where they familiarised themselves with various teaching departments, met faculty members, and became oriented to the university’s academic and administrative environment. The college’s principal, Prof Dr Nabeela Riaz, along with senior faculty members, accompanied the students on their first day.
Welcoming the students, UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore emphasised that the merger was not just a symbolic collaboration. Still, a full institutional integration. “de’Montmorency is now part and parcel of UHS, and this is a matter of pride for both institutions,” he said.
Acknowledging the longstanding challenges faced by the college, Prof Rathore assured students that under UHS’s administration, improvements would follow. “We are committed to restoring the reputation of this institution, and all available resources will be utilised for this purpose,” he added.
He further noted that while UHS holds a rigorous academic standard, students would emerge from it polished and well-trained. “Discipline, punctuality, and a commitment to academics will be non-negotiable,” he remarked.
Prof Nabeela Riaz urged students to embrace this new phase with open minds and a spirit of curiosity. “Becoming part of UHS opens new horizons for excellence in dental education,” she said.
During an interactive session, students candidly shared their concerns and challenges with the Vice Chancellor, who attentively listened and promised administrative support. “You are no longer guests at UHS — you are now our students,” Prof Rathore told them, assuring that facilities, including hostels and transport, would be improved in the coming weeks.
