PESHAWAR, Dec 17: Private and semi-government educational institutes in the city are awarding the MPH degree without having the services of qualified staff and other facilities required for the course, health official say.

“Owners of these institutes receive huge fee from candidates, but they don’t have qualified teachers, libraries and other facilities,” said a doctor, adding that medical officers had developed a sudden interest in getting the MPH (Master of Public Health) degree because the health department had planned to introduce administrative cadre in the sector.

“Once the administrative cadre is introduced then promotion to next grade on administrative posts will be made on the basis of qualification in public health,” he said.

Many senior doctors are getting degrees from such institutes to be considered for promotion.