Lahore: The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore (UVAS) has partnered with Brooke Hospital for Animals Pakistan to enhance equine health and welfare. The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aims to build capacity among Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students and paraveterinary professionals while improving the skills of teaching faculty.

The agreement was signed at UVAS’s City Campus by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Younus, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science Dr. Aneela Zameer Durrani, and Director of the Institute of Microbiology Dr. Aftab Ahmad Anjum, along with Brooke’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Javed Iqbal Gondal. Faculty members from UVAS and officials from Brooke attended the ceremony.

Under the terms of the MoU, Brooke will offer its expertise in modern veterinary educational practices and animal welfare science. The organization will employ mentoring frameworks focused on essential competencies such as animal welfare, communication, and professionalism in practical skills and clinical reasoning.

A key component of the partnership includes the establishment of a Clinical Skill Lab (CSL) at UVAS. This facility will serve as a model for veterinary training, equipping staff with necessary knowledge and skills. Brooke will also provide expertise in pain relief, pain recognition, compassionate handling, and adult learning techniques, along with access to online resources for animal health and welfare.

Furthermore, Brooke will assist in reviewing and developing curriculum guidelines and will work towards strengthening a one-health approach by collaborating with departments in human health, environmental, and social sciences. Internship opportunities for DVM students and joint research projects will also be a part of this collaboration.

UVAS will facilitate the partnership by providing venues for meetings, seminars, trainings, workshops, and research partnerships. The university will also adopt mentoring frameworks to improve veterinary and farriery competency skills during practical classes.

This strategic collaboration aims to significantly enhance the academic and professional landscape for veterinary science in Pakistan, ensuring improved animal welfare and health outcomes.