Meeting discusses challenges to medical education
Islamabad - A consultative meeting was held at Higher Education Commission (HEC) to discuss and formulate recommendations for standardisation of quality education in medical profession.
Dr Mansoor Akbar Kundi, acting executive director HEC, chaired the meeting. The meeting discussed various issues and challenges confronting medical education in Pakistan and emphasised the need for strategic planning, involving all stakeholders, for addressing these critical issues.
Prof Khaleequz Zaman emphasised the need to develop policies based on ground realities, work in closer coordination with policymakers and advocate for changing the political mindset. “Various regulatory bodies should work in closer coordination and avoid going into different directions,” he said.
Dr Iqbal Memon recommended that paramedical staff should also be part of any health reforms agenda. “Delivery of resources should be uniform across the country and preventive and focus should be given to community-oriented healthcare.”
Maj Gen Dr Viqar Ahmed Khan called for need to take collaborative actions for standardisation of medical education and formation of national body with subcommittees working for improvement in different segments of healthcare.
Three subcommittees were formed to work on recommendations for curriculum reforms, quality assurance and service structures, TTS appointments and supervision of research degrees.
The meeting was also attended by Dr Tariq Mahmood, adviser (R&D) HEC, Dr Iftikhar Ahmed Khan, adviser (quality assurance) HEC, Dr Ara Tekian, adviser/consultant, University of Illinois at Chicago, Brig Dr Aamer Ikram, consultant and professor, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Prof Dr Altaf Ali G Sheikh, pro-vice chancellor Isra University, Nazim Ud Din, secretary pharmacy council, Prof M Idrees Anwar, HoD surgery Rawalpindi Medical College, Dr Umar Ali Khan, PVC Isra University, Dr Rukhsana Ayub, Al Nafees Medical College, Isra University, and Dr Rukhsana Majid from Bolan Medical College.