Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) was founded in 13 May 1989 with 42 students by prominent National Professor Dr. Nurul Islam, an iconic figure in the field of Medical Education in Bangladesh, South Asia and the world. The institution has accorded recognition by Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council on 12 July 1990 and Chittagong University allowed the students to be enrolled and appear in the first professional examination in 1991.It continued to function as an institute under University of Chittagong till early 1992. University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC) was established as a Private University soon after Private University Act 1992 came into force when IAHS became its constituent body under Faculty of Medicine. Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) got affiliated with Chittagong Medical University in 2017.
The academic plan of MBBS program at IAHS is based on Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BM&DC) approved course and curriculum in which lectures are supplemented by tutorials, demonstrations and practical laboratory assignments. Sufficient state of the art lecture halls, tutorial rooms and laboratory facilities are available for all the departments. Laboratory facilities for Basic Sciences viz Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine exist as per requirement of BM&DC. IAHS has its own teaching hospital named Bangabandhu Memorial Hospital (BBMH).
The seven storied 500-bed Bangabandhu Memorial Hospital has all the facilities which are essential for a modern general hospital. Reputed clinicians are serving a large community in the hospital as well as training the students in different sections of the medical sciences. Facilities are now being expanded for out-patients and indoor patients. This hospital facilitates the unity of education and practice for the learners. Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) recognizes Bangabangdhu Memorial Hospital for offering post graduate training in Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Pathology and Obstetrics & Gynecology.
As per the BM&DC requirements and guidelines, IAHS strictly maintains the teacher Students ratio. Renowned and experienced faculty members are involved in the teaching, learning and assessment process. According to the National Quality Assurance Scheme, all academic activities and developments are ongoing in this institution under the regulation of the Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Yearly training on- Methodology of teaching, Student’s performance Assessment, Methodology of Research is being provided to improve and enhance the professionalism of all teachers. In their own journals, IAHS faculty members could publish their research articles. As well as there are weekly seminars, monthly integrated teaching program of each phase for the continuous betterment of the academic performance of the students and teachers. Through monthly subject co-ordination meeting and phase co-ordination meeting (twice in a month) deeply review the academic activities of each phase which finally generally assessed by the academic co-ordination meeting (thrice in a month). And IAHS medical education unites centrally review all the academic activities. They emphasize and focus more on real life situation and of learning i.e. more community oriented, community based as well as competency based. Well trained officials and support staffs are available for the administrative activities to facilitate the students.
IAHS is governed and controlled by a functional governing body of 15 members. The Honorable Chairman and all other members of the IAHS Governing Body have ultimate authority of this body. The honorable members of the Governing body formed with the respected Entrepreneurs of the Institution, Eminent Academicians, Doctors, Teachers, Guardians and high-ranking administrative persons who are nominated from various departments of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. All activities including recruitment of teachers, officers and employees, promotion, student admission are conducted subject to the approval of the Governing Body of IAHS.
Central Library of IAHS is located in a seven storied building and it is one of the largest libraries in Bangladesh. Different sections of the library comprise modern technology and digital section. Sitting arrangement of the library is for 150 readers at a time. IAHS has an arrangement of extra-curricular activities for its students which includes sports and games, debates, seminars and cultural activities. IAHS provides residential facility for foreign students. There are two separate hostels for boys and girls Syedur Rahman International Hall and Gulmeher Hall respectively. With students from different part of the world IAHS has a multicultural environment with mutual respect, love and harmony among the learners.