DUHS awards degrees to 1,370 students

26 gold, 24 silver medals were presented to high achievers

The ninth annual convocation of Dow University of Health Sciences awarded degrees to more than 1,370 students, including 26 gold, 24 silver and 24 bronze medals to students for their excellent performance.

The students included 388 MBBS graduates, 174 BDS postgraduates of allied sciences, undergraduates and diploma holders, 68 MPhil graduates, 70 students of PhD and 78 of Pharm D.

The chief guest of the event was Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho while University of Karachi (KU) Vice Chancellor Dr Ajmal Khan, DUHS Vice Chancellor Dr Saeed Qureshi, the varsity's pro-vice chancellor, faculty members, students and their parents attended the ceremony. Pechuho said that the health facilities in the province were no less than any other province, but even then the government needed to do a lot in this sector. Hospitals running under the Sindh government provide basic health facilities to people to some extent, but they could not be equipped with modern technologies, said Pechuho, adding that private health organisations have been helping the government by providing modern health facilities but they are very expensive.

She congratulated the students and said that it was a big day for them as they had now entered the phase where they serve the people, reach remote areas and play their part in reducing the gap between urban and rural areas.

The KU VC said, "You have become the nation's centre of attention after achieving medical education. You have to fulfil the nation's expectations. You are now entering your practical life. You are lucky to have this privilege because there are many children in Pakistan who can't even go to schools."'



DUHS VC Qureshi, in his address, said, "Today is not the day of your dreams coming true, instead it's the day when new doors are opening for you to serve the people in specialised areas and by researching in the field of medicine."

He added that if the students served their people, they would get the reward. "Your future is now associated with this country. The fulfilment of your dreams has turned into reality today so serve the nation without discrimination."

The inaugural speech of the convocation was presented by convocation committee chairperson and pro-vice chancellor Dr Zarnaz Wahid. Registrar Amanullah took the oath of Medical Ethics from students. Dr Imama and Dr Moiz Ahtesham shared memories of their student lives.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2018.