Poonch Medical College

Poonch Medical College is a public medical college established in 2012, located in Trar Dewan, in suburban Rawalakot, Poonch District, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. The college is affiliated with the University of Health Sciences Lahore, and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. The college has two teaching hospitals: Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hospital in Rawalakot, and D.H.Q. Hospital in Hajira.

History
The college was established in 2012, comprising a faculty of 11 professors and 18 assistant professors, with 62 students enrolling. Studies began in April 2013, with the first class graduating in 2018. Previous principals of the college include Dr Zia-Ur Rehman, Prof. Dr. Shabeer Ahmed Chudhry, and Dr Azhar Qayyum.

Former Principals
-Prof Dr Zia Ur Rehman 2012-2018

-Dr Shabbir Ahmad Chaudhary 2018-2019 (Acting)

-Prof Dr Azhar Qayyum 2019-2023

-Dr Shabbir Ahmad Chaudhary 2023- Incumbent (Acting)

Academics
Poonch Medical College offers a course for a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. Its academic departments include Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Community Medicine, Medical Education, Surgery & Allied, Radiology, Orthopedic Surgery, Urology, Medicine & Allied, Gastroenterology, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Gynaecology and obstetrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, and Pediatrics.

In 2017, the college was ranked first in merit among all affiliates of the University of Health Sciences Lahore in the MBBS exams.

Campus
Poonch Medical College lacks its own campus and allied facilities and is currently using a facility belonging to a government run polytechnic institute.

Student Life
Notable student unions of the college include Gilgit Baltistan Medicos Union, and Medical Students' Association of Pakistan and SYNCH. Various societies exist on subjects such as literature, sports, and blood donation; among others.

Recognition
Other than its affiliates, Poonch Medical College is recognized by the World Health Organization and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.