KARACHI: Over 100 graduates were conferred degrees in several disciplines of allied health sciences on Saturday at a convocation organised at the Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College (LNHMC).

These disciplines included physiotherapy, clinical laboratory sciences, medical technology in operation theatre sciences, diagnostic radiology sciences, dialysis sciences, and critical care sciences.

In his address, Karachi University Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, also the chief guest, congratulated the students on their success while highlighting the significance of education and skilled people in the country’s progress.

“Your role in saving a patient’s life is as important as that of a doctor and a nurse. Never underestimate your profession or capabilities. Our healthcare system desperately needs well-qualified physiotherapists, medical technologists, and other related professionals,” he said, while urging students to make the best use of career opportunities that come their way.

The KU VC also stressed the need for good governance to help retain professionals in the country.

He appreciated the services of LNH’s faculty members associated with the centres for allied health sciences: the School of Physiotherapy, the School of Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences, and the School of Medical Technology.

In his remarks, LNHMC’s Prof Salman Faridi emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary teams of healthcare providers who worked in a cohesive manner to serve their patients.

“I say it with pride that Liaquat National Hospital provides such a platform. We must realise that healthcare isn’t confined to hospitals only. Rather, it extends to home care,and we at LNH are developing healthcare practitioners who cater to patients’ homecare.” he added

The principals of the School of Medical Technology, Prof Nighat Abbas, the Principal School of Physiotherapy, Associate Prof S. Hasan Abbas, and the Principal School of Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences, Prof Junaid Alam, also spoke.

Later, students were awarded degrees. The gold medal recipients were Rutaba Kashaf (Doctor of Physiotherapy), Fizza Ahmed (Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences), Bisma Qazzafi (Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Radiology), Amna Yousuf (Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Critical Care), Rimsha Saleem (Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Dialysis), and Hifza Anjum Ahmed (Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Operation Theatre Sciences).

Published in Dawn, October 22th, 2023