LHVs free training opportunity opens in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Apr, 2026) Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department has opened admissions for the Lady Health Visitor (LHV) course 2026, with authorities in Rawalpindi stepping up efforts to address a shortage of frontline health staff.

District Health Authority (DHA) Rawalpindi has initiated arrangements to commence classes under the programme at District Health Development Centres and selected Tehsil Headquarters hospitals to strengthen maternal and neonatal healthcare services.

Officials at DHA said the move also aims to bridge a significant gap in the recruitment of Community Health Inspectors (CHIs), as the district currently requires more than 2,000 CHIs to serve over 1.5 million registered population.

At present, only over 700 CHIs have been registered, creating pressure on the existing workforce and affecting outreach services, particularly in maternal and child healthcare, they added.

The department is already facing a shortage of professionally trained staff in the CHI cadre; training of fresh candidates will be supportive in overcoming the gap.

A DHA spokesman said new midwifery training schools were being established in Rawalpindi to expand capacity and ensure the availability of skilled health workers at the grassroots level.

"A batch of 100 trainees will be inducted in the first year of the training", he said.

Under the admission criteria, female candidates with at least 50 percent marks in F.Sc (Pre-Medical) or Matric Science are eligible, while applicants must possess a Punjab domicile and be not more than 35 years of age.

According to the details, the course would be offered free of cost, with no admission or monthly tuition fee, to remove financial barriers and attract maximum participation.

The application process has been made fully online, with the deadline set for April 27, while classes are scheduled to begin on May 2.

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