KARACHI - Sindh Minister for Health Dr Saghir Ahmed has said the government was committed to provide quality medical services to the people at grass root level.   Addressing the students and faculty members of Fatima Jinnah Dental College at its 15th convocation he said close cooperation among all stake holders and coordination among doctors and government was needed to bring relief and assistance to people.    “My efforts have been to provide medical services at the grass root level, where the suffering is the most,” the provincial health minister was quoted to have said in a press release issued on Tuesday.   Dr Saghir Ahmed said that the graduates, the younger generation, were the ones on whom he pin his hope for a better future of the elderly of today and the young ones of tomorrow.   The chief guest congratulated the graduates and their parents and also advised young doctors not to forget those unfortunate and un-affording citizens, who have been suffering and deprived of deserving facilities and treatment due to their poverty.    While practicing in your posh chambers and while sitting in ivory towers, do not forget the common people and do all you can to elevate their miseries and sufferings as an act of benevolence and for the sake of humanity, said Dr. Saghir.On the occasion Vice Chancellor of Karachi University, Prof Dr Muhammad Qaiser, conferred degrees on 25 boys and 66 girls graduates.These students have secured 93 distinctions in various subjects.  Top scorers were also presented 18 gold medals for “Role of Honors,” (highest marks in the subject in the university examination). 12 shields for top positions were also awarded at the ceremony.   FJDC Principal Dr Tasleem Hosein presented the annual report of the college, while Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof Dr SM Abbas Hussain administered the PMDC oath.   On the occasion, Dr Sadia Shabbir Jumani was awarded best graduate shield and received cash award of Rs 25,000/- along with best graduate shield and 5 gold medals from the college. She was also given a shield and Rs 25,000/ from MIS Shield. A shield was also presented to the outgoing principal of the college Prof. Dr. Essa Arain for his meritorious position of holding this post for the last 15 years.    A pride of performance gold medal was awarded to senior staff Muhammad Ali Khurasani, with a cash prize of Rs. 10.000/- for his 15 years of meritorious service.   Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, noted that Fatima Jinnah Dental College was primarily an undergraduate college for studies of BDS, however it has played a leading role in the faculty development and research. It has produced a large number of postgraduates with qualifications of MCPS and FCPS from College of Physicians & Surgeon Pakistan, he said.    The KU Vice-Chancellor appreciated that the college has also produced M.Phils, MS, MSc and Ph.Ds from University of Karachi and other renowned national and overseas universities. Chief Executive Officer of Fatima Jinnah Dental College Dr Baqar Askary and others also addressed the ceremony.