PESHAWAR: Provincial Minister Shaukat Ali Yousafzai has stressed the need for introducing new courses to advance medical education to reduce burden of diseases on the common people.

He said in view of the innovations made in the area of medical education, the Khyber Medical University (KMU) was all set to rank among top universities of the world.

Mr Yousafzai was speaking at the inaugural session of the three-day international conference titled “Medical Education and Research” at the KMC on Saturday.

The minister said the research carried out at the KMU was being used in formulation of programmes aiming to stem the tide of diseases in the province.

The Institute of Health Profession Education and Research organised the event which was also attended by KMU vice chancellor Professor Mohammad Hafizullah.

Mr Yousafzai said the province required advancement in medical sciences to reduce burden of diseases on the common people.

“It gives me immense inspiration when I look at the progress of KMU, and the way it is moving ahead with such a fast pace in areas of health education, reforms, research and development,” he added.

He said the special event would enable the participants to give their input in curricular reforms in health sciences, adding that “we all should be thankful to KMU for providing a platform where all of us can learn, re-learn, reflect, and improve on our practices”.