Liaquat National Medical College sends off its first batch into the field

The college, which was set up in 2006, awarded 159 distinctions.

KARACHI: At the first convocation of the Liaquat National Medical College (LNMC) on Sunday, 91 graduates with 100 per cent result walked away with degrees with their heads held high to become part of the country’s medical fraternity.

The medical college that was established in August 2006 held the ceremony at Liaquat National Hospital’s convention centre where graduating students, dressed in royal blue convocation regalia, marched in along with the faculty members.

“A 100 per cent result with a rare feat of so many distinctions says a lot about the academic excellence of this college’s students,” said College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan President Prof. Zafar Ullah Chaudhry. He added that the young doctors need to consider if doctors were truly playing the role of ‘messiah’ in our society. “You must go for post-graduate training programmes immediately after the completion of your house jobs as this will provide you the chance to excel in academic as well as professional domain.”

All in all 159 distinctions were awarded to almost every graduating student. The Wajid Ali Shah medal for best graduate based on overall academic performance during five years was awarded to Dr Muhammad Yousuf Shaikh along with a cash award of Rs350,000. The award was introduced in memory of the late founder president of the hospital. Dr Shaikh who aims to pursue a fellowship in neurosurgery said that he chose this college as it would offer him more opportunities for practical learning due to extensive chances for interaction with the patients. Dr Mariam Malik, who wants to specialise in breast surgery, agreed and said that the LNH provides equal care to all patients.

“Each year, Pakistan loses around 11 per cent of its medical graduates to foreign countries,” said Dr Amir Ali Shoro, dean and principal of the college, who advised the graduating batch to show compassion and care for the ailing humanity as being the first graduating batch they held a great responsibility for those to follow. He also raised concern over the widening gender disparity in medical workforce, as more girls enrolled into medical institutions but don’t end up practising. “I am compelled to say that the situation will pose serious issues for the country’s healthcare system.”

Dr Salman Faridi, medical director of the hospital and college, reminded the students that they have to perform the role of a ‘healer’ in the world.

The hospital had come a long way from its humble beginning of 50 beds in 1958 when it started functioning, said Dr Faridi. “Today, we can claim to be a leading tertiary health-care facility in the country with 750 beds with 30 medical and surgical specialties. On an average, the hospital caters to around 700 patients.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2013.