I was shocked to read that a very coveted and revered seat, that of the Vice Chancellor of a University was lying vacant. This is very shocking news indeed given in one of the leading dailies saying that none had applied for the post vacant in two of the universities in Punjab. The news said that Punjab government advertised both in Pakistan and overseas newspapers to recruit vice chancellors for University of Health Sciences and King Edward Medical University but very surprisingly nobody was interested. The news further said that leading doctors make around Rs 300,000 to Rs 500,000 per month through private practice, and hence are very reluctant and not interested simply because as per new rules the VC cannot have a private practice. Loss of personal income it appears deters the doctors from taking the post of VC.
I wonder how and why no one wants to be VC where he can contribute to the greater interest of society by improving health education in Pakistan, which in itself should be a matter of pride and pleasure. How can a doctor refuse to contribute towards the health of his compatriots, as this contribution is definitely a moral obligation for the doctor concerned? Moreover, as VC they will be heading a medical university which is something very great and recognised on international level.
To me it is the entity and the public service which counts more than money alone. Any leading doctor cannot be compared with a VC, as the office of VC carries a position no money can buy, but we are living in a materialistic world that has no respect for post or position.
IQBAL HADI ZAIDI,
Kuwait, October 25.