KARACHI, June 12: The dental college of the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) at the Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences received its first batch for BDS, which was welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Masood Hameed Khan. He briefed the students about the progress of the university since its inception three years ago.

The vice-chancellor mentioned that there was a dire need for a dental hospital in the city and therefore, the concept of the Dr Ishratul Ibad Institute of Oral Health Sciences was floated. He said that in the future Masters, MPhil and PhD programmes would be initiated at the institute.

He also mentioned the International Medical College (DIMC), in which classes had recently started. He said that the MPhil programme would start in a few months’ time, while the research laboratory would be opened for students from July, 2007.

Dr Rana Qamar Masood briefed the audience about the admissions’ procedure and structure. She said that since the college did not have any government grant it would have to survive on the fees collected from students.

The syndicate approved the yearly fees of Rs120,000 for every general merit seat and Rs300,000 per year for every self-finance seat. But as the Chancellor of the university, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, gave 50 per cent concession on the general merit seats, hence the fees of the 34 general merit seats was Rs60,000 per year.