ISLAMABAD, Dec 23: Federal Minister for Health Mohammad Nasir Khan on Saturday said the government had initiated a “National Programme for Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer” worth Rs2.55 billion under which free mammography and screening services would be made available to women.

Speaking at the third convocation of Riphah International University (RIU) here, the minister stressed the need for encouraging girl students to go ahead in their studies.

He said women were being empowered in all spheres of life and their health issues were a priority of the government in view of maternal and neonatal mortality in the country.

He said he was impressed by the discipline at the convocation and termed the RIU one of the top private sector universities.

He said the Islamic International Medical College was the first medical college in Pakistan to adopt futuristic approach in using digital teaching in health and medical science in collaboration with the International Virtual Medical College.

Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr Attaur Rehman presented the key-note address at the convocation.

In all 186 graduates of the university were awarded degrees. Of them, 106 got MBBS, 51 BDS and 29 BS (Electrical Engineering) degrees.

As many as nine students were awarded gold medals for their best performance and obtaining first position in their respective examinations.

APP Adds: The health minister urged young doctors to concentrate on research work to meet international challenges in health sector and improve their professional skills.

He said the government had taken several measures to encourage and develop culture of research in the educational institutions particularly in medical colleges.

Mr Khan said: “We have yet to realise the pivotal importance of research and development in this knowledge-driven world.”

He said systematic progress in the academic programmes of the country’s universities indicate the government’s resolution to make positive contribution to this important sector.

He said it was a good sign that universities both in private and public sectors had started comprehensive research programmes for their students.

HEC Chairman Prof Dr Attaur Rehman emphasised the importance of quality research along with normal teaching programme.

He said Muslim countries were still much behind in carrying out quality research.

He said the HEC had started several programmes in the universities to improve the standard of education and involve both students and faculty in research activities.

RIU pro-chancellor Hassan Mohammad Khan and vice-chancellor Prof Dr Anis Ahmed also spoke on the occasion and said the Riphah International University was trying to integrate global Islamic values in its educational methodology and in research and development programmes.