Abstract

Objectives: To assess the status of digital learning practices among recognized degree awarding medical, dental and nursing education institutes in Pakistan.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all medical, dental and nursing education institutes registered with PMDC and PNC were approached between 1st April and 15th April, 2020. Data was collected on use of online classes during routine academic year as well as during COVID19 Pandemic.
Results: There were 111 medical colleges, 52 dental colleges and 62 nursing education institutes found in latest lists available on PMDC and PNC websites. Majority of health sciences education institutions were found in Punjab and Sindh, indicating sheer discrimination with other provinces of Pakistan. Use of online classes was found very low in routine academic year in all three disciplines of health sciences education explored in this study.
Conclusion: HEC, PMDC and PNC must realize the scope of digital learning, and invest in infrastructure and capacity building for digital learning in health sciences education in Pakistan.

Key words: Online learning; Virtual learning; Online Classes; Medical and Dental Education