KARACHI, March 27: As many as 1,369 students belonging to the faculties of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, basic medical sciences and health management, were awarded degrees at the fifth convocation of the Baqai Medical University (BMU) here on Monday.

Dr Ibad was the chief guest on the occasion. Diploma and degree holders, belonging to 2001-2005 batches, also included 40 position holders.

According to statistics, 60 per cent of the graduating students were girls, while boys were the remaining 40 per cent.

Around 927 of the graduates completed MBBS/BDS programme; 112 B Pharmacy; 83 in basic medical sciences and another 147 in health management.

Speaking on the occasion, the Sindh governor said that medical education had a very wide scope and advancement in the field was a reflection of the tremendous research in medical sciences in the last 50 years.

He said that during the last few years the entire province had progressed in the field of education and a large number of academic institutions in Karachi were a proof of that.

Dr Ibad was of the view that no government could fulfil the obligations of health and educational requirements of a country alone.

He stressed the need for public-private cooperation in the fields of health delivery and health education.

The governor observed that one of the reasons for poverty in the country and lack of development was the long period of colonial rule, which neglected the interest of the common man.

“We talk of a new millennium and the concept of the new millennium demands a change for the better. We need to work hard for a better tomorrow for the younger generation, for a better life of our own people and for the future of the mankind”, he said.

He congratulated the graduating students and advised them to go forward with determination to achieve higher standards of life.

Dr Ibad also appreciated the services of Prof F.U. Baqai and Prof Zahida Baqai in the field of medical education and health delivery systems.

Speaking on the occasion, BMU Chancellor Dr Fariduddin Baqai said the institution was committed to quality training in the field of medicine and health care.

He advised the graduates to ensure returning what they had been provided by their parents and community during the last several years, since the time of their birth.

Dr Baqai said there was a need to think more of our responsibility rather thinking only of our rights.

BMU Vice-Chancellor Dr Syed Azhar Ahmed presented an overview of the programmes being offered at the varsity.

He said that the varsity realizing its responsibilities towards rural population had, under the aegis of the Baqai Foundation, started a wide range of health units in Gadap.

He also mentioned that the centre of excellence had been developed to cater the growing health care problems linked to diabetology, haematology, ophthalmology and others.

Later, Dr Ibad awarded degrees, diplomas and gold medals to the successful candidates.—APP