KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has demanded establishment of a medical college in Tharparkar, Mithi, to overcome the dearth of healthcare facilities in the region for the local population and to provide educational opportunities to aspiring professionals.
Addressing a press conference, PMA Secretary General (Centre) Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro highlighted the issue of security for doctors, saying it was thoroughly discussed during the association’s Central Council meeting.
He stressed the need for improved security measures to ensure the safety of medical professionals at their workplaces, demanding immediate steps to address this concern and protect doctors against violence or harassment.
The PMA demanded justice for the family of slain doctor, Dr Umar, who was murdered in Jhang by some Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials.
It also demanded immediate release of ex-PMA head and former health minister of Punjab Dr Yasmin Rashid, who is battling with cancer in her old age, saying her case should be considered on humanitarian grounds.
The association condemned a police raid on the house of ex-PMA head Dr Salma Aslam Kundi.
Dr Shoro also expressed concerns regarding the uncertainty surrounding the future of medical education in the country due to the crisis faced by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
He urged the concerned authorities to resolve the PMDC issue promptly for the benefit of medical students and the healthcare sector as a whole.
PMA demanded curbs on medical colleges enhancing fees, demanding that fees should be charged as per the schedule announced at the time of admissions for the session starting in 2022 and thereafter.
Dr Shoro also informed the media about the recent China tour of the PMA delegation and their interaction with the leadership of the Chinese medical association, saying it provided an opportunity for developing collaborations, exchanging expertise, and learning from China’s advancements in the healthcare sector.
PMA demanded the highest civil award for eminent gynecologist late Dr Bilquis Malik, who was among pioneers of antenatal care in Larkana division. She served as a professor at the gynaecology and obstetrics department of the Chandka Medical College.
PMA strongly condemned the burning and ransacking of churches and the houses of Christian community in Jaranwala, demanding an exemplary punishment for the culprits involved in the crime.
The secretary general said PMA is committed to addressing the healthcare challenges faced by the community and working towards the betterment of the medical profession in Pakistan.
