PESHAWAR, Nov 26: Arrangements are being made to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, in a befitting manner.

The KMC, which was established in 1954, would complete 50 years of its existence in December this year.

The week-long celebrations would begin on Dec 20 and last till Dec 26. Being the oldest institution of the NWFP, the KMC is playing a vital role in imparting quality medical education and treatment of the ailing community. It has so far produced about 1,000 medical graduates, who are serving at various hospitals both in the country and abroad.

"Apart from doctors working at local hospitals, those working abroad are also coming to participate in the golden jubilee celebration," said Prof Dr Khalid Attaullah Mufti, Principal of the Khyber Medical College (KMC).

Dr Mufti said that teachers and students of the KMC had planned a number of events for the occasion, including scientific programmes, social and cultural events, excursions and visits to local historical places.

He said the college magazine Cenna would publish a special issue that would trace the 50 years history of the institute. President Pervez Musharraf would be requested to attend as chief guest the inaugural ceremony of the golden jubilee week, he said and added that renowned doctors would present their research papers and deliver lectures on the latest medical developments.

Dr Mufti said that nine panel lectures, eight scientific symposia, eight free paper sessions and as many workshops, apart from three poster sessions would be organized during the week-long celebrations.

He said seven committees had been formed which would organize different events. Talking to Dawn, scientific committee chairman Prof Dr Abdul Hameed said that lectures, workshops and symposia would cover issues such as community health, recent breakthroughs in contemporary medical sciences, emerging diseases, health economics, future medicines, latest concept in medical education, history of medicines, Quran and modern medicines and Islam and medical ethics.