With flying colours: 91 doctors vow to serve mankind at Bahria varsity’s second convocation

The young doctors were not quite optimistic about their future in the 'Pakistani system'.


Our Correspondent May 21, 2015
Students pose for a photo with their professors after graduating from Bahria University Medical and Dental College. PHOTO: INP

KARACHI: As many as 91 new doctors graduating from Bahria University Medical and Dental College pledged to employ their knowledge in the best interest and service of mankind and to show utmost respect for human life.

Taking the Hippocratic Oath in unison at the second convocation of the varsity on Thursday, they promised themselves that they will practise their profession with conscience, dignity and prefer their patient's health and welfare over everything else.

Dressed smartly in their black graduation gowns, the young doctors said that they were not optimistic about their future in the 'Pakistani system'.

Gold medallist Maryam Irshad told The Express Tribune that they were all very patriotic. "But at the end of the day, the system demeans our patriotism and forces us to leave this country," she said. "We will prefer to stay here and serve the public only if we are provided with the basic facilities for the medical profession." Nonetheless, she added that she felt blessed and excited to have passed from the varsity with flying colours. According to her, she had no plans to move abroad despite the fact that merit was never given due respect in Pakistan.

Another fresh graduate, Aqib Javed Viyani, was of the opinion that due to lack of organisational structure for the medical profession in the country, their hard work of five years was not paid back properly.

"I am currently doing my house job in PNS Shifa and earning only Rs20,000 per month," he said. He added that he intended to fly overseas for further specialisation in the field but has plans to come back and serve his own people.

Shireen Sabir Ansari was awarded a silver medal and Asifa Wasim, Ali Usman and Zulqarnain Haider achieved distinction in their respective departments in the convocation.

The pro-chancellor of Bahria University, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, was the chief guest on the occasion and conferred the degrees upon the graduating doctors.

Congratulating the fresh graduates, Zakaullah said that we are facing multiple challenges arising from global economic changes and increasingly fierce and complex health issues and the country's young doctors are a great asset in such a time. The entire nation has high hopes and expectations from the young doctors and hopes that they will play a key role in combating the health problems of our people, he added.

He advised the graduates to be men and women of sterling character, adopt a positive attitude towards life and sacrifice personal gains for national interest. The naval chief promised the support of Pakistan Navy that, according to him, will always be there to facilitate the young doctors in their future endeavours.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2015.

COMMENTS (2)

Maqsood Kayani | 8 years ago | Reply "But at the end of the day, the system demeans our patriotism and forces us to leave this country..." Why "at the END of the day" - why not at the "BEGINNING" of the day - before the Pakistani tax-payers have paid / subsidized 80% of their medical-college tuition fees / costs. The moment the get their degrees and complete their house-jobs they are off to greener pastures. If you want to go and serve abroad then go and do your complete studies abroad and pay their fees - do not block a student's position at a Pakistani university only to desert the nation. The people of Pakistan cannot afford to pay you by the rate USA-Canada-UK-EU do - you have to gracefully serve the Pakistani public in the emoluments / conditions prevalent in Pakistan. Iraqi govt. has banned any passports to be issued to technorats (doctors, engineers, IT grads etc.) who are barred from migrating from the country. The largest number of any nationality of foreign students (mostly PhD students) in USA-EU are from China whose fees-costs are paid by the Chinese govt (tax-payers). But the govt will only agree to fund the costs if any relative of the student submits a bond (in the shape of property, bungalow, factory, gold etc) that if that student fails to return the relative will reimburse the cost. If the student does not return to China within two weeks of the final exams, the bonded property is confiscated and the relatives are fined further. Stop misusing / squandering Pakistan's resources - STOP THIS BRAIN DRAIN. "the Chinese have invested in research links globally, and especially with the U.S. In 1993, China endorsed education abroad; more than a decade later, it began to subsidize large numbers of outbound students. As recently as 2005, roughly 60,000 mainland Chinese came to the U.S. for higher ed; by 2012, there were almost 240,000. Mainland Chinese represent more than a quarter of international students in the U.S. " http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-05-18/academic-bonds-strengthen-between-u-s-and-china Scholarship students who have to suspend their studies due to illness must return to their home country for further treatment and recovery. Expenses for the international travel to and from the university will be borne by the students themselves, and their scholarship status will be reserved for one year at most, with the monthly living allowance stopped during the suspension. Scholarships of the students who suspend their studies for reasons other than illness will not be reserved. http://iczu.zju.edu.cn/english/type1/01032501.html
Abacond | 8 years ago | Reply I hope this bunch does as well as is expected of them. Best of luck!
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