ABBOTTABAD, March 12: Departments of anaesthesia and dentistry of the Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, have been recognised by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan for its fellowship programmes.

This was stated by Dr

Prof Zafarullah Chaudhary, newly elected president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan, while speaking as chief guest at a reception held at the Ayub Medical College on Sunday.

Prof Zafarullah Chaudhary, along with the Vice-Chancellor of Khyber Medical University, Prof Dr Daud, laid the foundation-stone of the CPSP building. The building will be built at a cost of Rs50 million.

The ceremony was attended by more than 120 fellow members from Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Battagram and the Combined Military Hospital.

Speaking on the occasion, Khyber Medical University Vice-Chancellor Prof Daud said that besides the lecture hall and conference rooms, a library and some offices would be constructed in the building. These facilities would help students improve their skills.

He said students who earlier used to go to other parts of the country for higher education, would get this facility in their area now.

Chief Guest Dr Zafarullah Chaudhary assured the medical community of provision of more such facilities.

He said after the construction of the building, the CPSP would organise a series of seminars and workshops.

Prominent among those who attended the ceremony were: former DG for Health Dr A.J. Khan; Khalid Masood Gondal of the Mayo Hospital, Lahore;

Prof Muhammad Jamil, head of the department of biochemistry, Peshawar University; Prof Muhammad Amjad of Mayo Hospital, Lahore; Prof Dr Jamil-ur-Rehman; Dr Azhar Khan Jadoon; Prof Dr Tariq Mufti; Principal of the Ayub Medical College, and Dr Jaffar Khan.

In his welcome address, Hazara Council member Prof

Dr Zia-ur-Rehman highlighted the 10-year struggle and efforts for the construction of the building.

In his speech, Dr Jehangir Khan demanded recognition of department of neurosurgery, department of dentistry and department of cardiology and clinical pharmacology.

He also demanded provision of more research articles and journals and holding of frequent workshops to keep students and doctors updated with latest developments in the medical field.