Caps and gowns: 378 students pledge to serve the noble profession

Ziauddin University held its 12th convocation at the Expo Centre on Wednesday

KARACHI: Adorned in traditional black robes bordered with red, white, blue and yellow, as many as 378 students pledged to serve the noble profession of medicine at Ziauddin University’s 12th convocation, held at the Expo Centre on Wednesday.

As the academic procession marched to the rhythm of background music playing and cheering by the guests, university chancellor Dr Asim Hussain declared the convocation open. Degrees in nine different disciplines were conferred upon graduates, while seven gold medals were also awarded to position holders, namely Amrah Hasan, Aneeka Anwar, Ali Saleem, Farida Khan, Asifa Naseem, Huma Nadeem and Saniya.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Hussain recognised the services of the private sector in the medical profession. He further urged Sindh chief minister Qaim Ali Shah, present at the ceremony as the chief guest, to revamp the curriculum. “If Sindh does not proactively change its curriculum, there will soon be no Intermediate or Matriculation students — only those from O’ and A’ Levels,” he claimed.

“After the 18th Amendment, the province is now in dire need of a postgraduate college of medicine to fill the void of training for doctors,” Dr Hussain pointed out. Speaking to the graduating students, he said that they should pass on what they had learnt to others in the country where their roots lay. “Work fast, think of Pakistan first and help the ailing masses.”

The chief minister said that the real challenge for the students began now. “Your profession, Pakistan and Sindh demand from you that you serve society unconditionally,” he asserted. Referring to drought-hit Tharparkar, he added that the province was in need of efficient, dedicated doctors.

“During the recent famine, only 20 per cent of doctors were working in Thar. The rest were working in Karachi and receiving their salaries accordingly,” claimed Shah. “I expect you to not only serve the large cities but to go outside and serve the ill in deplorable conditions.” He further welcomed the graduating students to join the Sindh government, which plans to induct 700 more doctors in its ranks soon.

Keynote speaker Lt Gen (R) Moinuddin Haider, a university board member, told the students that they were lucky to be among the eight per cent of people in Pakistan who have access to higher education. “You are the best of Pakistan’s human resources. Uphold the name of your country, wherever you serve.” Meanwhile, Dr Hussain announced that Ziauddin Hospital will soon expand abroad. “A polyclinic will be opened in Dubai within the next six months,” he revealed, adding that land had also been acquired in Malir, Sukkur and Islamabad for further expansion of the institution and hospital.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2015.