Since inception the University of Jaffna has recognized the need to offer courses in Allied Health Sciences and made provision for paramedical school in the corporate plan. Attempts were made from time to time to start Diploma and Certificate courses. Inadequate facilities and the unrest situation delayed commencing these courses.
In 2001, the University Grants Commission promoted Universities to initiate “Self financing Courses”. The Faculty of Medicine used this opportunity and started Certificate Course in Pharmacy and Diplomas in Community Health, Physiotherapy and Medical Laboratory Technology with the financial support of the World Health Organization. One batch of students has completed the courses and all are employed. Further admission was delayed due to the commencement of the degree programme in Allied Health Sciences Unit.
In 2003, the University Grants Commission invited Faculties of Medicine to initiate discussions on commencing six degree courses in the Faculties of Medicine in the country.
The degree courses are as follows:
- Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography
- Occupational Therapy
A special Faculty Board meeting held on 15th July 2004 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna made the decision to commence the three degree courses viz Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nursing, and Pharmacy at the beginning and to commence the other courses in the years to come. This was approved by the Faculty Board, Senate and University Grants Commission.
Inauguration of Allied Health Sciences Unit degree programme was held on 7th August 2006 at the Faculty of Medicine. Students who sat for the Advanced Level Examination in the year 2005 were admitted for the academic year 2005/2006. This first batch of students has completed their studies in year 2011.
In September 2011, the UGC has approved the request made by the University of Jaffna to establish the unit of Allied Health Sciences. All the staff attached to Allied Health sciences have been automatically absorbed to Allied Health Sciences Unit. The foundation stone for a separate building for Allied health Sciences has been laid by minister of Higher Education on August 29, 2010, in the land attached to the Faculty of Medicine.
The First batch of students have completed their studies in year 2011and many of them are presently employed at various sectors of the medical field.