The Punjab government has announced the closure of medical universities, medical colleges, nursing colleges, and allied health schools across the province from March 10 to March 31, 2026, according to an official notification issued by the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department.
The notification, released on March 9, confirmed that all public and private sector medical institutions operating under the department’s administrative control will remain closed during the specified period. The move is part of broader provincial measures taken in response to economic pressures and the ongoing fuel crisis.
MBBS Classes Shift Online for Early-Year Students
Despite the closure of campuses, the government clarified that academic activities for first and second year MBBS students will continue online. Universities and colleges have been instructed to conduct lectures through digital platforms to ensure continuity of education.
However, third, fourth, and final year MBBS students will continue attending scheduled classes, particularly for clinical attachments, hospital training, and examinations. According to the notification, these students will follow the existing academic timetable without interruption.
Exams and Clinical Training to Continue
Authorities have emphasized that all examinations will be held as per the previously announced schedule, ensuring that the academic calendar remains largely unaffected.
Additionally, teaching faculty members, nursing students, and allied health students will continue performing their duties in attached teaching hospitals, maintaining essential medical services and training during the closure period.
Heads of medical institutions have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the government’s instructions and make necessary arrangements to implement the directives effectively.
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Wider Education Shutdown in Punjab
Earlier, the Punjab government announced the closure of all schools, colleges, and universities across the province from March 10 to March 31, citing extraordinary economic pressures linked to regional conflicts and rising fuel costs.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz confirmed that while campuses will remain closed, scheduled examinations will still be conducted. Colleges and universities have been instructed to shift teaching activities to online classes, while schools will remain completely closed until the end of the month.
Government Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures
Alongside the educational shutdown, the Punjab government introduced strict cost-cutting measures to reduce fuel consumption.
Under the new directives, government fuel distribution to provincial ministers has been suspended until the petroleum crisis improves. The government has also announced a 50% reduction in petrol and diesel allowances for officials’ vehicles.
Furthermore, authorities have banned the use of large protocol vehicle convoys typically accompanying ministers and senior officials. According to the revised policy, only one escort vehicle will be allowed for ministers and high-ranking officials, strictly for essential security purposes.
Officials say these steps aim to conserve fuel resources and manage the financial impact of the ongoing crisis while ensuring that critical academic and healthcare activities continue without disruption.
