Moot highlights medical field's challenges

At present, one out of every nine Pakistani women is suffering from breast cancer, the reasons for which include short intervals between childbirths, consumption of contaminated water and other medical factors. A large number of Pakistani men are also affected by this disease. Other reasons include the scarcity of doctors, as young practitioners face low compensation in Pakistan as well as in developed countries.

These views were expressed by speakers at a three-day international medical research conference. The aim of the conference held at Women Medical and Dental College Abbottabad was to reduce the gaps in medical education, research and clinical practice. Participating speakers presented their lectures directly and through online addresses.

In organising the conference, a total of six institutions and organisations including Women Medical College Abbottabad extended their support. These included Khyber Medical University, Pakistan Association of Pathologists, Medical Women Association Pakistan, Pakistan Medical Association, Pakistan Physiological Society, Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians, South Asian Association of Physiologists, Jinnah College of Nursing and Women Institute of Facilitation Sciences.

The number of doctors in Pakistan is half that of America. An increase in qualified professionals could help in addressing health problems. Among female doctors especially, the tendency to become homemakers instead of choosing professional life becomes a hindrance. Reforms in the health sector are the need of the hour.