KARACHI: Governor Sindh, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad has expressed his views on extending the total period of dental education in Pakistan from four years to five years, and believes that this is essential to achieve international level acceptance of the Degree.
He shared these views at the Governor House during the first meeting of Jinnah Sindh Medical University senate. He said that he plans on organizing a meeting with the heads of all dental institutions across the country to discuss the planning and implementation of a five year dental curriculum. Prominent attendees of the meeting included Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Tariq Rafi, various members of the Senate, MNA Dr Farooq Sattar, Chief Advisor Education Syed Wajahat Ali and Principal Secretary Muhammad Hussain Syed among others
During the meeting, he also expressed his opposition to the recent rule of allocating 50% quote for male and female students during medical college admissions. He said that establishing a medical college separately for boys was a more productive way of overcoming the problem rather than imposing the quota, and that merit would continue to remain the sole criterion for admissions.
He added that the establishment of separate medical and dental colleges for boys should be the top priority of the University. He also commended the efforts made by JSMU in equipping students with quality education and training.
He also said that a one-year course should be planned and initiated for dentists having graduated with a four-year degree for international acceptance. This will not have any effect on the hiring and recruitment of the talented dental professionals nationwide.
He also encouraged University administrations to invest in better transportation services to facilitate students. He also stressed the need to promote research in medical education, and stated that universities must focus on producing talented, meritorious graduates to work for the welfare of humanity.
During the meeting, Dr Israt-ul-Ebad also urged the attendees to contribute their efforts and donations to help the famine-stricken, malnourished people of drought hit areas.
