ABUSE of power and violation of mandate is considered normal by some people in Pakistan. When public offices overplay their mandate, the rule of law disappears from society. A recent example of such abuse was witnessed at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Lahore.

It issued a circular restricting all physiotherapists and pharmacists having five-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Pharm-D degrees from using ‘Dr’ as a prefix with their names.

This is a sheer abuse of UHS prerogative as it is not entitled to regulate physiotherapists and pharmacists. Besides, it is also in negation of the ruling by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) which allows professionals having DPT and Pharm-D degrees to use ‘Dr’ with their names.

Also, allowing four-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) graduates to use the prefix, while restricting the graduates of five-year DPT and Pharm-D seems absurd. The UHS decision has raised questions about the impartiality of the institution.

The said circular has hurt the sentiments and professional integrity of many competent professionals, who studied hard for five years and have proven their credentials as competent healthcare practitioners.

The UHS officials have reportedly told the student body that they will call a syndicate meeting soon and get this circular cancelled. But how can they make up for the blow they have dealt to the profession since the damage has been done already?

The UHS management should issue a clarification in this regard and have some checks in place to counter such machinations in the future. The UHS has not only hurt the sentiments of pharmacists and physiotherapists, but also the credibility of the institution.

Muhammad Usama Khalid
Lahore

ROADBLOCKS TO TOURISM: There has been a sudden spike in domestic tourism in Pakistan which is good for the sector. However, at a time when tourism is flourishing, incidents of mugging and harassing are increasing, too. These incidents will have a devastating impact on tourism. The authorities concerned should take strict action against those involved in these crimes as this is the only way to keep the momentum on track.

Agha Abdul Samad
Khairpur Mirs

FEE SPIKE: Thousands of students cannot afford to be regular university students and opt for external degree programmes to complete their education. The recent spike in fee for MA (Final)

has all but snatched this opportunity away from such individuals. How do those in a position of authority expect the poor dish out that kind of money to pay the fee? All the relevant stakeholders need to revisit the fee structure. Education is a constitutional right of every individual; it must be made affordable.

Name withheld on request
Hyderabad

STRANGE DECISION: This is with reference to news ‘Education body decides not to fail any student this year’ (Sept 14). Today’s students are professionals of the future, and we are only compromising our future with such decisions. The Covid-hit world is passing through tough times, but this is not the way to survive. Who stands to suffer the most at the hands of incompetent professionals of tomorrow? Obviously, Pakistan. Is it worth it?

Munawar Hameed Mangalwala
Karachi

MISUSING HEALTH CARD: The Health Card initiative is an excellent facility for those who otherwise are unable to afford medical charges, but, unfortunately, those in the healthcare delivery system — doctors, pharmacists, etc. — are misusing the system by exploiting the poor and deducting extra money from their cards. The government should monitor the system strictly to discourage the black sheep within the professional community.

Dr Saba Riaz
Faisalabad

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2021