SWAT – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Governor, Barrister Masood Kausar has said that they can never forget the courageous and sacrifices of Swat people and the armed forces, whose have turned the tide of extremism and militancy.
“I pay homage to them; salute them, who gave us freedom to live our normal lives in this part of the world,” he added. Addressing a ceremony, he attended as the chief guest, held in connection with the second convocation of Saidu Medical College, the only medical institution of the Malaknd division, for the graduates of sessions 2007 to 2011, he said medical was a noble, sagacious and challenging profession, which demanded more pragmatism in terms of fulfillment of responsibilities. “Oath taking during a convocation especially being administered to graduating doctors is a joyous moment for the graduates and their parents, as it provides them with guiding principles.” The governor said they must be conscious of the fact that a patient, no matter whosoever they are, deserved care.
The governor said, “you have been awarded degrees which means that you owe a respectable profession.” Referring to the standard of healthcare services, the governor said there was a need that their medical professionals should treat the special persons through their role and conduct. “I am confident that with the advent of these shining stars in this sacred profession, our health sector will further nourish.” He said knowledge was a tool which gave confidence thus helping the societies grow. Over 100 graduates achieved their degrees. Several were awarded gold medals for achieving distinctive positions in annual examinations. Dr Muhammad Zahir was adjudged the best graduate of session 2007 with four gold medals. Eleven ex-faculty members were also given lifetime achievement awards.
The ceremony was also addressed by Prof Dr Hafeezullah, vice chancellor of Khyber Medical University while Prof Dr Taj Mahammad, Principal Saidu Medical College administered oath to the graduates. He thanked the governor and said it was a matter of honour for them to have the governor as their chief guest on the prestigious occasion. Dr Taj Muhammad Khan shed light on the college history, saying that it was established on October 11, 1999. He thanked the provincial government for providing modern equipments to the college, approval of funds for its hostels and MRI machine to the local hospitals. “Our graduates are working in medical profession both inside and out the country. They are the shining stars. About 96 per cent result of SMC has been declared top at the provisional level as compared to other colleges. The credit for this remarkable achievement certainly goes to the professionally qualified faculty members and the hard working youth and hard working medical students.” Dr Taj Muhammad cited the problems facing the college, on which the governor said they would resolve their problems. The governor ordered the CNW Department to ensure construction of two hostels for the medical college on immediate basis.
Kausar urged the graduates to realise the challenges they would face in future. He stressed upon them to work hard and serve the people with dedication. Appreciating achievements of the Saidu Medical College, the governor said they could rightly present Saidu Medical College to the world as a symbol of peace. The outstanding contribution of this college to medical education and healthcare delivery system in the country especially in this province, he added, is well acknowledged. He said they would take steps to renovate the college and repair its buildings, updating laboratories as well as refurbishing its classrooms. He said they would take steps for provision of modern equipments for teaching and learning facilities of the college. He congratulated the graduates, their parents and teachers on their achievements.
Earlier, the governor gave away gold medals and bachelor degrees in medicine to the graduates. Amongst the gold medalists, Dr Omer, Dr. Zahir, best graduate in the session 2007, Dr Nawaz topped ENT in 2007, Drs Saqid the topper graduate of session 2008, Dr. Yasir best graduate of 2009 got medals for achieving distinctive positions in different subjects while Dr Mian shahid Yousaf getting top positions in the Khyber Medical university for the session 2010. The governor announced cash award of Rs 10000 for every graduate and out-going male and female doctors. DIGS, Commissioner Malakand along with the elected MPA’s of the area were also present on this occasion.