LAHORE, Dec 29: Post-Graduate Students Council (PGSC) of the King Edward Medical University (KEMU) has condemned a recent move launched by a group of doctors for change in varsity’s status and termed it a conspiracy hatched by a ‘mafia’ which wanted to retain the monopoly of the FCPS programme.

The PGSC has been formed by post-graduate students studying in various programmes of the varsity.

PGSC president Dr Usman Dar, flanked by over 50 students, told media on Saturday at the Lahore Press Club that College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) had `fielded’ several doctors with the FCPS background to defame the KEMU.

Dr Usman said the CPSP was allegedly backing a group of young doctors to destroy the image of the KEMU by raising issue of its status and creating doubts on its postgraduate programmes in various disciplines since the institute got status of university.

He further alleged that the conspiracy had been hatched by the CPSP-backed young doctors at a time when the KEMU had taken a landmark and historic step of launching Ph.D programme in 26 disciplines.

“The KEMU has started 54 major degree programmes, including Master of Science (MSc), Doctors of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), 20 diplomas in various disciplines, besides Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) and PhD programmes,” Dr Usman said.

He said the CPSP was feeling threat to its monopoly in the FCPS programme which was a ‘major source of its income’.

“The CPSP is charging Rs250,000 for this five-year programme from each student which is many times more compared to Rs 50,000 charged by KEMU for the equal scheme of education for the same period”, Dr Usman said.

The PGSC president said at present more than 1500 students had been enrolled in postgraduate programmes which was a record. He further alleged that the CPSP was charging Rs15,000 as entrance test fee from a student while the KEMU had fixed Rs3,000 for the same purpose.

Under CPSP system students visited Karachi from Punjab and other provinces for examination, bearing additional expenses on accommodation and travel.

Each student had to arrange a minimum amount of Rs20,000 for each trip to Karachi from Punjab for appearing in the CPSP exams.

Dr Nasir said that the world had recognized KEMU’s all postgraduate programmes and its degree holders were given priority by known medical institutions globally.

He said the FCPS programme was never given importance abroad and the medical community knew the fact very well.

“We will resist all the conspiracies and ugly moves against our 150 years old prestigious university at all fronts”, Dr Nasir said.

PGSC general secretary Dr Asadullah Khan, Dr Nasir Chaudhry, Dr Tajamul and Dr Javed Malik were also present on the occasion.