Medical students stage rally to highlight plight of Palestinians

The Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) staged a rally on Wednesday to express solidarity with the Palestinians who have been facing Israeli genocidal campaign in Gaza Strip for the past seven months.

A large number of students, teachers, and faculty members took part in the rally in which participants, brandishing Palestinian flags and banners, marched from Askari Towers to JSMU. The rally aimed to condemn the relentless Israeli atrocities in Gaza and call for justice for its brutalised population.

Addressing the rally participants, JSMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon underlined the importance of peace and justice, integral to the UN's sustainable development goals. It is a collective responsibility of the world community to ensure the rights and well-being of the Palestinian people, he added.

JSMU Registrar Dr Azam Khan highlighted the significance of Muslim unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. He reiterated the shared responsibility of the Muslim Ummah in condemning and ending the cruelty inflicted upon Palestinians, calling for unified action among Muslim nations.

During the rally, a symbolic hospital was also erected within a tent with the support of the Institute of Family Medicine. This representation aimed to illustrate the challenges confronting Palestinian healthcare infrastructure.

MBBS Second-year students recounted the harsh realities endured by Palestinians. Sharqa Kanwal presented a map delineating the struggles faced by hospitals in Rafah and Gaza.

Shafa Al-Mahmoud shared the heart-wrenching account of Rehab Abu Daqqa, a Palestinian mother grappling with dire living conditions alongside her seven children. Tooba Ashraf recounted the tragic tale of Ahmed Al-Ghifari, who tragically lost 103 family members, including his wife and three daughters, in a single attack.

Heads of various institutes within the university, including AIPH Professor Amina Rehana Siddiqui, IME Chairperson Professor Syeda Kausar, IPS Principal Professor Huma Ali, Family Medicine In-charge Dr Kiran Zeeshan, HR Director Dr Rahat Naz, SMC Vice Principal Dr Farah Javed, along with faculty members, lent their support to the cause.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2024.