KARACHI, Dec 30: Developing countries entangled in the debt trap should be relieved of the same, to enable them to set their priorities right with a major emphasis on social development coupled with a guaranteed right of their masses to quality healthcare and education.

This was declared by Prof Adibul Hasan Rizvi in his presentation - entitled "Building institutions for the future" - here on Thursday at a post-symposium seminar held by the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). He said until and unless this was done, close coordination among government-controlled units, doctors and the community was inevitable.

According to him, since the governments in the third world, including Pakistan, largely experienced resource constraints, local philanthropists ought to support public-sector facilities and the doctors must ensure that this support was adequately utilized and their own capabilities and capacities enhanced the developments taking place.

On the occasion, referring to the global situation, he also stressed upon an equitable system ensuring provision for basic rights, including healthcare for all the inhabitants of the world. Prof Rizvi also described the evolution of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) as a good example of public-private partnership.

Prof I.H. Bhatti, in his presentation, underscored the need for an efficient mechanism under which the units of excellence - which had emerged within the government-owned healthcare institutions through the dedication of the medical professionals and strong community support - could be replicated.

According to him, however, the creation of islands of excellence within some hospitals might not be sustainable if they existed in institutions which itself might be disintegrating. It was reminded that these centres often caused resentment among units which failed to procure philanthropic assistance.

The speaker hinted that there existed a particular mindset among the public as well as philanthropists owing to which certain units were extended assistance on humanitarian grounds or under strong religious sentiments. No altruistic support was provided to units engaged in research work or for holding workshops or seminars, he added.

Meanwhile, making it clear that the government could not be absolved of its responsibilities towards the healthcare needs of the citizens, the speaker observed that administrative and financial management of the public-sector hospitals and healthcare institutions must be taken away from the bureaucratic tangle and handed over to professionally competent individuals.

This helped making optimum and proper use of available funds possible. A system to ensure sustainability of community-supported units was also strongly recommended.

Prof Tipu Sultan, in his brief comments, referred to the pilferage of available funds at a time when some departments setting unique examples of quality service on sustainable grounds were denied their due share from the earmarked amounts.

The session was also addressed by Najmus Saqib Hameed, Managing Trustee of LRBT Eye Hospital, who gave a detailed view of his hospital's operations. He also described the steps taken for public education with regard to prevention of various factors causing blindness.

It was generally observed on the occasion that the country lacked a nation wide disease prevention programme. Later, shields were presented to the speakers as well as to Prof Masood Sheikh, Prof Tasneem Ahsan, Dr Amir Mateen, Dr Zakiuddin Ahmed and Prof Hasan Aziz. - APP